Named characters

Major entities (proper, common)

FAC

86 home/Home
80 here
52 the street/The street
44 the office/The office
32 the room/The room
30 the building
28 the bathroom/The bathroom
26 there
25 the bar/The bar
24 his office

GPE

9 the city
7 there
6 town
3 This place/this place
3 this city/This city
2 the country
2 the UK
1 the same city
1 the United States
1 one of the largest in the world

LOC

28 the world/The world
6 the water/The water
5 the forest
4 earth
3 the planet
3 the outside world
2 the country
2 different sides of the world
2 this alternate universe
2 this world

PER

76 each other
36 sir
31 this man/This man
30 someone/Someone
28 anyone
28 Nobody/nobody
25 The waiter/the waiter
22 a man/A man
19 everyone/Everyone
18 people/People

ORG

8 the company
3 the Gazette
3 your company
1 Amazon.com , Inc.
1 some ritzy company
1 the biggest conglomerate media empire in the United States
1 the best companies in the United States
1 the police department
1 an empire
1 a corporate investigation firm

VEH

53 the car/The car
25 the elevator
23 the limo/The limo
17 the plane/The plane
15 the bus/The bus
10 a car
7 a cab
7 the truck
4 my limo
4 this car/This car

Text

OTHER TITLES BY T L SWAN Stanton Adore [Stanton]_84-stanton Unconditional [Stanton]_84-stanton Completely Stanton Bliss [Marx Girl Gym Junkie Dr Stanton Dr Stantons]_{254-marx girl gym junkie dr stanton dr stantons} : The Epilogue Find [Me]_0-i Alastar Play Along [Mr Masters Mr Spencer]_{85-mr. masters}

This is a work of fiction . Names , characters , organizations , places , events , and incidents are either products of [the author]_{255-the author} ’s imagination or are used fictitiously . Any resemblance to [actual persons]_{256-actual persons} , living or dead , or actual events is purely coincidental . Text copyright © 2019 by T L Swan All rights reserved . No part of this book may be reproduced , or stored in a retrieval system , or transmitted in any form or by any means , electronic , mechanical , photocopying , recording , or otherwise , without express written permission of [the publisher]_{257-the publisher} . Published by Montlake Romance , Seattle www.apub.com Amazon , the Amazon logo , and [Montlake Romance]_{86-montlake romance} are trademarks of [Amazon.com , Inc.]_{258-amazon.com , inc.} , or [[its]_{258-amazon.com , inc.} affiliates]_{259-its affiliates} . ISBN-13 : 9781542015875 ISBN-10 : 1542015871 Cover design by @blacksheep - uk.com

[I]_0-i would like to dedicate this book to the alphabet , for those twenty - six letters have changed [my]_0-i life . Within those twenty - six letters [I]_0-i found [myself]_0-i , and now [I]_0-i live [my]_0-i dream . Next time [you]_260-you say the alphabet , remember its power . [I]_0-i do every day .

CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Epilogue Preview : The Takeover Preview : [Mr. Masters]_{85-mr. masters} ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chapter 1 “ Can [you]_0-i move ? ”_{[261-the man behind me in the line]} a voice behind [me]_0-i growls . Startled , [I]_0-i turn toward [the man behind [me]_0-i in the line]_{261-the man behind me in the line} . “ [I]_0-i ’m sorry ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say in a fluster . “ Did [you]_{261-the man behind me in the line} want to get past ? ”_[0-i] “ No . [I]_{261-the man behind me in the line} want [these fucking idiots at the desk]_{3060-these fucking idiots at the desk} to hurry up . [I]_{261-the man behind me in the line} ’m going to miss [[my]_{261-the man behind me in the line} damn plane]_{3061-my damn plane} . ”_{[261-the man behind me in the line]} [He]_{261-the man behind me in the line} sneers , and [I]_0-i smell the alcohol wafting off [him]_{261-the man behind me in the line} . “ [They]_{3060-these fucking idiots at the desk} make [me]_{261-the man behind me in the line} sick . ”_{[261-the man behind me in the line]} [I]_0-i turn back to the front . Great , [a drunk in the check - in line]_{262-a drunk in the check - in line} . Just what [I]_0-i need . [Heathrow Airport]_{1-heathrow airport} is bustling . Bad weather has delayed most of the flights , and to be honest , [I]_0-i wish [they]_263-they would delay [mine]_0-i . Then [I]_0-i could turn around and go back to [the hotel]_{264-the hotel} and sleep for a week . [I]_0-i am not in the mood for this shit . [I]_0-i hear [the man]_{265-the man} turn and complain to [the people behind [him]_{265-the man}]_{266-the people behind him} , and [I]_0-i roll [my]_0-i eyes . Why are [people]_267-people so damn rude ? For another ten minutes , [I]_0-i listen to [him]_{265-the man} bitch , sigh , and moan until [I]_0-i can take it no longer . [I]_0-i turn to [him]_{265-the man} . “ [They]_267-people are working as fast as [they]_267-people can . There ’s no need to be rude , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i snap . “ What ? ”_{[265-the man]} [he]_{265-the man} yells as [he]_{265-the man} turns [his]_{265-the man} anger on [me]_0-i . “ Manners are free , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter under [my]_0-i breath . “ Manners are free ? ”_{[265-the man]} [he]_{265-the man} cries . “ What are [you]_{265-the man} , [a schoolteacher]_{3062-a schoolteacher} ? Or just [a raving bitch]_{3063-a raving bitch} ? ”_{[265-the man]} [I]_0-i glare at [him]_{265-the man} . Oh , [I]_0-i dare all right . [I]_0-i ’ve just spent the last forty - eight hours in hell . [I]_0-i flew across [the world]_{268-the world} to go to a wedding , only to watch [[my]_0-i ex - boyfriend]_{269-my ex - boyfriend} drape [himself]_{269-my ex - boyfriend} over [[his]_{269-my ex - boyfriend} new girlfriend]_{270-his new girlfriend} . [I]_0-i ’m in the mood to cut [somebody]_271-somebody today . Do n’t mess with [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i turn back to the front as [my]_0-i fury begins to boil . [He]_{265-the man} kicks [my]_0-i suitcase at [my]_0-i feet , and [I]_0-i turn . “ Stop it , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i snap . [He]_{265-the man} gets right up in [my]_0-i face , and [I]_0-i wince at the smell of [his]_{265-the man} breath . “ [I]_{265-the man} ’ll do whatever [I]_{265-the man} fucking like . ”_{[265-the man]} [I]_0-i see [security]_272-security come through [the lounge]_{273-the lounge} as [they]_272-security watch [him]_{265-the man} . [The staff]_{274-the staff} have seen what ’s going on [here]_275-here and called for backup . [I]_0-i fake a smile . “ Please do n’t kick [my]_0-i bag , [sir]_3064-sir , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say sweetly . “ [I]_{265-the man} ’ll kick whatever [I]_{265-the man} fucking like . ”_{[265-the man]} [He]_{265-the man} picks up [my]_0-i suitcase and throws it across [the airport]_{276-the airport} . “ What the hell ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i screech . “ Hey , ”_[0-i] [the man behind [us]_278-us]_{277-the man behind us} cries . “ Do n’t touch [her]_{279-my savior} stuff . [Security]_272-security ! ”_{[265-the man]} [he]_{265-the man} says . [Mr. Drunk and Disorderly]_{87-mr. drunk and disorderly} throws a punch at [[my]_0-i savior]_{279-my savior} , and a scuffle breaks out . [Security]_272-security comes running in from everywhere , and [I]_0-i am pushed back as [he]_{265-the man} throws punches and screams obscenities . Oh hell , [I]_0-i do not need this today . Eventually [they]_272-security get [him]_{265-the man} under control , and [he]_{265-the man} is taken away in handcuffs . [The kind security guard]_{281-the kind security guard} picks up [my]_0-i bag . “ Sorry about that , ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [he]_{281-the kind security guard} apologizes . “ Come with [me]_{281-the kind security guard} , ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [he]_{281-the kind security guard} says as [he]_{281-the kind security guard} unhooks the rope on the line . “ Thank [you]_{281-the kind security guard} . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [I]_0-i smile awkwardly at [everyone else in the line]_{282-everyone else in the line} . [I]_0-i hate jumping the queue , but at this point , [I]_0-i just do n’t care . “ Great . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [I]_0-i sheepishly follow [him]_{281-the kind security guard} , and [he]_{281-the kind security guard} takes [me]_0-i to [a young man]_{283-a young man} ’s counter . [He]_{281-the kind security guard} looks up and smiles broadly . “ Hello . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} “ Hi . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} “ Are [you]_0-i okay ? ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [he]_{281-the kind security guard} asks . “ Yes , [I]_{281-the kind security guard} ’m fine . Thank [you]_{284-the security guard} for asking . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} “ Look after [her]_{283-a young man} , ”_{[284-the security guard]} [the security guard]_{284-the security guard} tells [the ticket man]_{285-the ticket man} , and [he]_{281-the kind security guard} gives [us]_286-us both a wink and disappears through [the crowd]_{287-the crowd} . “ Identification , please ? ”_{[265-the man]} [the man]_{265-the man} asks . [I]_0-i scramble through [my]_0-i purse and dig out [my]_0-i passport and pass it over ; [he]_{281-the kind security guard} smiles as [he]_{281-the kind security guard} looks at the photo . Oh man , that ’s the worst photo in all of history . “ Did [you]_{281-the kind security guard} see [me]_0-i on [Most Wanted]_{2-most wanted} ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ Possibly . That photo : Is it even [you]_0-i ? ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [He]_{281-the kind security guard} laughs . [I]_0-i smile , embarrassed . “ [I]_{281-the kind security guard} hope not . [I]_{281-the kind security guard} ’m in trouble if it is . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [He]_{281-the kind security guard} types in [my]_0-i details . “ Okay , so [we]_3066-we have [you]_0-i flying to [New York]_{3-new york} today with a . . . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [He]_{281-the kind security guard} stops typing and reads . “ Uh - huh . Preferably not next to [that man]_{3067-that man} . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} “ [He]_{3067-that man} wo n’t be going anywhere today , ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [he]_{281-the kind security guard} replies as [he]_{281-the kind security guard} continues to type at a ridiculous speed . “ Other than the lockup . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} “ Why would [you]_{281-the kind security guard} get drunk before coming to [the airport]_{276-the airport} ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ [He]_{3067-that man} has n’t even been inside to [the airport bars]_{3069-the airport bars} yet . ”_[0-i] “ [You]_0-i would be surprised by what goes on around here , ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [he]_{281-the kind security guard} sighs . [I]_0-i smile ; [this guy]_{289-this guy} is nice . [He]_{281-the kind security guard} prints off [my]_0-i tickets . “ [I]_{281-the kind security guard} ’ve upgraded [you]_0-i . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} “ What ? ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} “ First class , as an apology for [him]_{3067-that man} mishandling [your]_0-i bag . ”_[0-i] [My]_0-i eyes widen . “ Oh , that ’s not necessary . . . really , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i stammer . [He]_{281-the kind security guard} hands the tickets over and smiles broadly . “ Enjoy [your]_0-i flight . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} “ Thank [you]_{281-the kind security guard} so much , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i gush . [He]_{281-the kind security guard} gives [me]_0-i a wink , and [I]_0-i could just reach over and hug [him]_{281-the kind security guard} . But of course [I]_0-i wo n’t . [I]_0-i ’ll pretend that cool things like this happen to [me]_0-i every day . “ Thanks again . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile . “ [You]_{281-the kind security guard} have access to [the VIP lounge]_{3070-the vip lounge} , which is located on [level one]_{3071-level one} . Lunch and drinks are on [the house]_{3072-the house} in [there]_3073-there . Have a safe flight . ”_[0-i] With one last smile , [he]_{281-the kind security guard} looks back to the line . “ Next , please . ”_{[281-the kind security guard]} [I]_0-i walk through the baggage checks with a huge goofy grin on [my]_0-i face . First class — just what [the doctor]_{290-the doctor} ordered . Three hours later , [I]_0-i walk onto [the plane]_{291-the plane} like [a rock star]_{292-a rock star} . [I]_0-i did n’t end up going into [the VIP lounge]_{3070-the vip lounge} because , well . . . [I]_0-i look like crap . [My]_0-i long dark hair is up in a high ponytail , and [I]_0-i ’m wearing black leggings , a baggy pink sweater , and tennis shoes , but [I]_0-i did fix [my]_0-i makeup a little , so that ’s something . If [I]_0-i had known [I]_0-i was going to be upgraded , [I]_0-i would have at least tried to look the part and worn something swanky instead of looking like [a homeless person]_{294-a homeless person} . But anyway . . . who cares ? It ’s not like [I]_0-i ’m going to see [[anyone]_295-anyone [I]_0-i know]_{296-anyone i know} . [I]_0-i hand [my]_0-i ticket over to [the flight attendant]_{297-the flight attendant} . “ Just through [the left aisle]_{3074-the left aisle} and to the right . ”_[0-i] “ Thanks . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i look at [my]_0-i ticket and walk through [the plane]_{291-the plane} and see [my]_0-i number . 1B. Damn it , [I]_0-i do n’t have a window . [I]_0-i get to [my]_0-i seat , and [a man sitting next to the window]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} turns to [me]_0-i . Big blue eyes greet [me]_0-i , and [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} smiles . “ Hello . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} “ Hi , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say . Oh no . . . [I]_0-i ’m sitting next to [God]_88-god ’s gift to [women]_300-women . . . only [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’s hotter . [I]_0-i look like shit . Fuck it . [I]_0-i open the overhead , and [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} stands . “ Here , let [me]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} takes [my]_0-i bag from [me]_0-i and carefully places it up . [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’s tall and built and wearing blue jeans and a white T - shirt ; [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} smells like the best aftershave in history . “ Thanks , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i murmur as [I]_0-i pull [my]_0-i hand through [my]_0-i ponytail , trying to smooth out the knots . [I]_0-i mentally kick [myself]_0-i for not wearing something better . “ Do [you]_0-i want the window seat ? ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} asks . [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} as [my]_0-i brain misfires . [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} gestures to the seat beside the window . “ [You]_0-i do n’t mind ? ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i frown . “ Not at all . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} smiles . “ [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} fly all the time . [You]_0-i can have it . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i force a smile . “ Thanks . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} That was code for “ [I]_0-i know [you]_0-i got upgraded , [[you]_0-i poor homeless person]_{3075-you poor homeless person} , and [I]_0-i feel sorry for [you]_0-i . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i sit down in [my]_0-i seat and look nervously out the window , with [my]_0-i hands clasped in front of [me]_0-i on [my]_0-i lap . “ Are [you]_0-i going [home]_3076-home ? ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} asks . [I]_0-i turn to [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} . Oh , please do n’t talk to [me]_0-i . [You]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} make [me]_0-i nervous just sitting there . “ No , [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’ve been at a wedding , and [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} have a job interview in [New York]_{3-new york} on the way [home]_3076-home . [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’m only [there]_3073-there for the day , and then [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} fly out again to [LA]_4-la . [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} live [there]_3073-there . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} “ Ah . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} smiles . “ [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} see . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} for a moment ; [I]_0-i should ask [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} a question now . “ Are . . . [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} going [home]_3076-home ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say . “ Yes . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i nod , unsure what to say next , so [I]_0-i choose the lame option and stare back out the window . [The attendant]_{301-the attendant} walks around with a bottle of champagne and glasses . Glasses . Since when do [airlines]_302-airlines give [you]_303-you a real glass ? Oh right , [first class]_{304-first class} . [I]_0-i knew that . “ Would [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} like some champagne to take off with , [sir]_3064-sir ? ”_{[297-the flight attendant]} [the flight attendant]_{297-the flight attendant} asks [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} . [I]_0-i notice that [her]_{297-the flight attendant} name tag says [JESSICA]_89-jessica . “ That would be lovely . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} smiles and turns to [me]_0-i . “ Make that two , please . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i frown as [she]_{297-the flight attendant} pours two glasses of champagne and passes one to [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} and one to [me]_0-i . “ Thank [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} . ”_{[297-the flight attendant]} [I]_0-i smile . [I]_0-i wait for [Jessica]_89-jessica to move out of earshot . “ Do [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} always order drinks for [other people]_{3082-other people} ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} looks surprised by [my]_0-i statement . “ Did it bother [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ? ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} “ Not at all , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i huff . Damn this Mr. Fancy Pants for thinking [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} can order for [me]_0-i . “ [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} do like to order [my]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} own drinks , though . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} smiles . “ Well , [you]_0-i can order the next ones , then . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} raises [his]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} glass to [me]_0-i and smirks ; then [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} takes a sip . [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} seems amused by [my]_0-i annoyance . [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} deadpan . This could be victim number two of [my]_0-i cutting today . [I]_0-i am not in the mood for [some rich old bastard]_{306-some rich old bastard} to boss [me]_0-i around . [I]_0-i sip [my]_0-i champagne as [I]_0-i look out the window . Well , [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’s not really old . Maybe mid- to late thirties . [I]_0-i mean , old compared to [me]_0-i ; [I]_0-i ’m twenty - five . But whatever . “ [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’m [Jim]_90-jim , ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} says as [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} holds [his]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} hand out to shake [mine]_0-i . Oh God , now [I]_0-i have to be polite . [I]_0-i shake [his]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} hand . “ Hi , [Jim]_90-jim . [I]_0-i ’m [Emily]_91-emily . ”_[0-i] [His]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} eyes dance with mischief . “ Hello , [Emily]_91-emily . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [His]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} eyes are big , bright blue , and dreamy , the kind [I]_0-i could get lost in . But why is [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} looking at [me]_0-i like that ? [The plane]_{291-the plane} begins to travel slowly down [the runway]_{308-the runway} , and [I]_0-i look between the earphones and armrest . Where do these plug in ? [They]_309-they ’re high tech , the kind that overconfident YouTubers use . [They]_309-they do n’t even have a cord . [I]_0-i look around . Well , this is stupid . How do [I]_0-i plug them in ? “ [They]_309-they ’re Bluetooth , ”_[90-jim] [Jim]_90-jim interrupts [me]_0-i . “ Oh , ”_[90-jim] [I]_0-i mutter , feeling stupid . Of course [they]_309-they are . “ Right . ”_[90-jim] “ [You]_0-i have n’t flown first class before ? ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} asks . “ No . [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} got an upgrade . [Some weirdo]_{3083-some weirdo} threw [my]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} bag across [the airport]_{276-the airport} when [he]_{3083-some weirdo} was drunk . [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} think [the guy at the desk]_{3085-the guy at the desk} felt sorry for [me]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i give [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} a lopsided smile . [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} rolls [his]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} lips as if amused and sips [his]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} champagne ; [his]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} eyes linger on [my]_0-i face as if [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} has something on [his]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} mind . “ What ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ Perhaps [the guy at the desk]_{3085-the guy at the desk} thought [you]_0-i were gorgeous and upgraded [you]_0-i to try to impress [you]_0-i . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_0-i had n’t thought of that . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i sip [my]_0-i champagne as [I]_0-i try to hide [my]_0-i smile . That ’s an odd thing to say . “ Is that what [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} would do ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ If [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} were at the desk , would [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} upgrade [women]_300-women to impress [them]_300-women ? ”_[0-i] “ Absolutely . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smirk . “ Impressing [a woman [you]_0-i ’re attracted to]_{3088-a woman you ’re attracted to} is crucial , ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} continues . [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} as [I]_0-i try to get [my]_0-i brain to keep up with the conversation . Why does that statement sound flirty ? “ And do tell . . . how would [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} impress [a woman [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’re attracted to]_{3088-a woman you ’re attracted to} ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask , fascinated . [His]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} eyes hold [mine]_0-i . “ Offer [her]_{3088-a woman you ’re attracted to} a window seat . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} The air crackles between [us]_310-us , and [I]_0-i bite [my]_0-i lip to hide [my]_0-i goofy smile . “ [You]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’re trying to impress [me]_0-i ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} gives [me]_0-i a slow , sexy smile . “ How am [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} doing ? ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i smirk , unsure what to say . “ [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’m simply saying that [you]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’re attractive , nothing more and nothing less . Do n’t read into it . It was a statement , not a question . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} “ Oh . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} , lost for words . What do [I]_0-i even say to that ? Statement , not a question . . . huh ? Do n’t read into it . [This guy]_{289-this guy} is weird . . . and utterly gorgeous . [The plane]_{291-the plane} begins to take off with speed , and [I]_0-i hold on to [my]_0-i armrests and scrunch [my]_0-i eyes shut . “ [You]_0-i do n’t like takeoffs ? ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} asks . “ Do [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} look like [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} like takeoffs ? ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i wince as [I]_0-i hang on for dear life . “ [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} love them , ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [he]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} replies casually . “ [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} love the feeling of power as it surges forward . That g - force throwback . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} Okay . . . why is everything coming out of [his]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} mouth sounding sexual ? God , [I]_0-i need to get laid . . . stat . [I]_0-i exhale and stare out the window as [we]_313-we go higher and higher . [I]_0-i do n’t have the energy for [this guy]_{289-this guy} to play cute today . [I]_0-i ’m tired , [I]_0-i ’m hungover , [I]_0-i look crappy , and [[my]_0-i ex]_{315-my ex} is [a douche]_{316-a douche} . [I]_0-i want to go to sleep and wake up next year . [I]_0-i decide [I]_0-i ’ll watch a movie . [I]_0-i begin to flick through the choices on the screen in front of [me]_0-i . [He]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} leans over and says , “ [Great minds]_{3090-great minds} think alike . [I]_{299-a man sitting next to the window} ’m watching a movie too . ”_{[299-a man sitting next to the window]} [I]_0-i fake a smile . Just stop being all hot and in [my]_0-i space . [You]_317-you ’re probably married to [a vegan yoga nut who does meditation and shit]_{318-a vegan yoga nut who does meditation and shit} . “ Great , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter deadpan . [I]_0-i should have flown [coach]_319-coach ; at least [I]_0-i would n’t have had to inhale the scent of [beautiful man]_{320-beautiful man} for eight long , sexless hours . [I]_0-i scroll through [my]_0-i screen and then narrow it down to [my]_0-i choices . How to Lose [a Guy]_{321-a guy} in 10 Days . Pride and [Prejudice]_92-prejudice . The Heat . [Jumanji]_93-jumanji . . . well , that has the Rock in it — it has to be good . [Notting Hill]_{5-notting hill} . The Proposal . 50 First Dates . [Bridget Jones]_{94-bridget jones} ’s Diary . [Pretty Woman]_{95-pretty woman} . Sleepless in [Seattle]_6-seattle . [Magic Mike XXL]_96-michael . [I]_0-i smile at the choices , all of [my]_0-i favorites lined in a row ; this flight is going to be a dream . [I]_0-i have n’t seen the sequel to [Magic Mike]_96-michael yet , so [I]_0-i might start with that one . [I]_0-i glance over to look at what [Jim]_90-jim has picked , and [I]_0-i see the heading come up . [Lincoln]_7-lincoln . Ugh . . . a political movie . Who watches that stuff for fun ? [I]_0-i should have known [he]_{321-a guy} ’d be boring . [He]_{321-a guy} reaches up and taps the screen , and [I]_0-i catch sight of [his]_{321-a guy} watch . A chunky silver Rolex . Ugh , and [he]_{321-a guy} has money too . Typical . “ What are [you]_0-i going to watch ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [he]_{321-a guy} asks . Oh no . . . [I]_0-i do n’t want to appear ditzy . “ [I]_0-i ’m not sure yet , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i reply . Damn [you]_{321-a guy} . . . [I]_0-i want to watch [men strip]_{322-men strip} . “ What are [you]_{321-a guy} watching ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ [Lincoln]_7-lincoln . [I]_0-i ’ve been meaning to see it for a long time . ”_[0-i] “ Sounds boring , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say . [He]_{321-a guy} smiles at [my]_0-i answer . “ [I]_{321-a guy} ’ll let [you]_0-i know . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} puts [his]_{321-a guy} earphones on and begins to watch [his]_{321-a guy} movie , and [I]_0-i scroll through [my]_0-i choices again . [I]_0-i really want to watch [Magic Mike XXL]_96-michael . Does it matter if [he]_{321-a guy} sees ? No . . . that ’s just embarrassing . It makes [me]_0-i look desperate . Who am [I]_0-i kidding ? [I]_0-i am desperate . [I]_0-i have n’t seen [a dick]_{323-a dick} in over a year . [I]_0-i tap on The Proposal . [I]_0-i ’ll swap one fantasy for another . [I]_0-i ’ve always dreamed of having [Ryan Reynolds]_{97-ryan reynolds} as [[my]_0-i personal assistant]_{324-my personal assistant} . The movie begins , and [I]_0-i smile at the screen . [I]_0-i love this movie . No matter how many times [I]_0-i watch it , [I]_0-i always laugh . Gammy is [my]_0-i favorite . “ [You]_0-i ’re watching a romance ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [he]_{321-a guy} asks . “ A rom - com , ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i reply . For God ’s sake , [this guy]_{289-this guy} is nosy . [He]_{289-this guy} smirks as if [he]_{289-this guy} ’s better than [me]_0-i . “ More champagne ? ”_{[297-the flight attendant]} [the flight attendant]_{297-the flight attendant} asks . [Blue Eyes]_{98-blue eyes} looks over at [me]_0-i . “ Here ’s [your]_{321-a guy} chance to order for [us]_3091-us . ”_{[98-blue eyes]} [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{321-a guy} flatly ; all right , [he]_{321-a guy} ’s beginning to piss [me]_0-i off now . “ [We]_3091-us ’ll have two , please . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ What do [you]_0-i like about rom - coms ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [he]_{321-a guy} asks as [he]_{321-a guy} keeps [his]_{321-a guy} eyes on the screen in front of [him]_{321-a guy} . “ Men who do n’t talk during movies , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper into [my]_0-i champagne glass . [He]_{321-a guy} smiles broadly to [himself]_{321-a guy} . “ What do [you]_{321-a guy} like about . . . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i pause because [I]_0-i do n’t even know what [Lincoln]_7-lincoln is about . “ Political films ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ The fact that they ’re boring as all hell ? ”_[0-i] “ [I]_{321-a guy} just like true stories , regardless of what they are . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ So do [I]_0-i , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i reply . “ That ’s why [I]_0-i like romance . Love is true . ”_[0-i] [He]_{321-a guy} chuckles into [his]_{321-a guy} glass as if amused . [I]_0-i glance over at [him]_{321-a guy} . “ What does that mean ? ”_[0-i] “ Rom - coms are as far from reality as [you]_0-i can get . [I]_{321-a guy} bet [you]_{321-a guy} ’re the type who reads trashy romance novels too . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{321-a guy} flatly . [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i hate [this man]_{327-this man} . “ [I]_0-i am , actually . . . and if [you]_0-i must know , [I]_0-i ’m watching [Magic Mike XXL]_96-michael after this so [I]_0-i can watch [gorgeous men]_{3092-gorgeous men} take [their]_{3092-gorgeous men} clothes off . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i sip [my]_0-i champagne in annoyance . “ And [I]_0-i ’ll smile through the whole damn thing , regardless of [your]_{321-a guy} snooty judgment . ”_[0-i] [He]_{321-a guy} laughs out loud , and it ’s deep and strong and does things to [my]_0-i stomach . [I]_0-i put [my]_0-i headphones back on and pretend to focus on [my]_0-i screen . [I]_0-i ca n’t , though , because [I]_0-i just totally embarrassed [myself]_0-i , and [I]_0-i can feel [myself]_0-i blushing . Stop talking . Two hours later , [I]_0-i sit and stare out the window . [My]_0-i movie is over , but [his]_{321-a guy} scent is not . It ’s surrounding [me]_0-i , taunting [me]_0-i with things that [I]_0-i should n’t be thinking about . How does [he]_{321-a guy} smell so good ? Unsure what to do without seeming awkward , [I]_0-i decide [I]_0-i ’ll take a nap , try to sleep through the next few hours , but first [I]_0-i need to go to [the bathroom]_{328-the bathroom} . [I]_0-i stand . “ Excuse [me]_{321-a guy} . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} moves [his]_{321-a guy} legs a little but not enough for [me]_0-i to fit through , and [I]_0-i have to lean over [him]_{321-a guy} to get past . [I]_0-i stumble and fall and put [my]_0-i hand on [his]_{321-a guy} thigh ; it ’s large and hard to [my]_0-i touch . “ [I]_0-i ’m so sorry , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i stammer , embarrassed . “ That ’s fine . ”_[0-i] [He]_{321-a guy} smirks up at [me]_0-i . “ More than fine . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{321-a guy} for a moment . Huh ? “ There ’s a method to [my]_0-i madness . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i frown . What does that mean ? [I]_0-i make [my]_0-i way past [him]_{321-a guy} and go to [the bathroom]_{328-the bathroom} , and then [I]_0-i walk around and stretch [my]_0-i legs a little as [I]_0-i ponder that statement . [I]_0-i ’m stumped — [I’ve]_0-i got nothing . “ What did [you]_{321-a guy} mean by that ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask as [I]_0-i fall back into [my]_0-i seat . “ Nothing . ”_[0-i] “ Did [you]_0-i give [me]_{321-a guy} the window seat so [I]_{321-a guy} would have to climb over [you]_0-i ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} tilts [his]_{321-a guy} head to the side . “ No , [I]_{321-a guy} gave [you]_0-i the window seat because [you]_0-i wanted it . Climbing over [me]_{321-a guy} was just an added bonus . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i stare at [him]_{321-a guy} as [I]_0-i struggle to respond . Am [I]_0-i imagining this ? [Older rich guys]_{330-older rich guys} do n’t usually speak to [me]_0-i like this . . . at all . “ Are [you]_{321-a guy} flirting with [me]_0-i , [Jim]_90-jim ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . [He]_{321-a guy} gives [me]_0-i a slow , sexy smile . “ [I]_{321-a guy} do n’t know . Am [I]_{321-a guy} ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ [I]_{321-a guy} asked [you]_0-i first , and do n’t answer [my]_{321-a guy} question with a question . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} smirks as [he]_{321-a guy} turns [his]_{321-a guy} attention back to the television screen . “ This is probably where [you]_0-i should start flirting back . . . [Emily]_91-emily . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i feel [my]_0-i cheeks flush with embarrassment as [I]_0-i try to hide [my]_0-i stupid smile . “ [I]_0-i do n’t flirt . [I]_0-i either want [a man]_{3093-a man} or [I]_0-i do n’t , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i announce . “ Is that so ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [he]_{321-a guy} says as if fascinated . “ And how long after [you]_0-i meet [a man]_{3093-a man} do [you]_0-i make that decision ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Instantaneously , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i lie . That ’s not true , but [I]_0-i ’ll pretend . Faking confidence is [my]_0-i superpower . “ Really ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [he]_{321-a guy} whispers as [the flight attendant]_{297-the flight attendant} walks past [us]_332-us . “ Excuse [me]_{321-a guy} , can [we]_332-us have two more champagnes , please ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [he]_{321-a guy} asks [her]_{297-the flight attendant} . “ Of course , [sir]_3064-sir . ”_{[297-the flight attendant]} [His]_{321-a guy} eyes come back to meet [mine]_0-i . “ Well , do tell . What was [your]_{321-a guy} first impression of [me]_{321-a guy} ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i pretend to look around for [Jessica]_89-jessica [the flight attendant]_{297-the flight attendant} . “ [You]_{321-a guy} may need something stronger to drink to hear this , [Jim]_90-jim . [You]_{321-a guy} ’re not going to like it . ”_[0-i] [He]_{321-a guy} laughs out loud , and [I]_0-i find [myself]_0-i smiling broadly as [I]_0-i watch [him]_{321-a guy} . “ What ’s funny ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ [You]_{321-a guy} are . ”_[0-i] “ Why am [I]_0-i funny ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i frown . “ This sense of righteousness that [you]_{321-a guy} have . ”_[0-i] “ Oh , like [you]_{321-a guy} do n’t have that too . . . Mr. [I]_334-i ’ll Have Two Champagnes . ”_[334-i] [Our]_334-i drinks arrive , and [he]_{321-a guy} smiles as [he]_{321-a guy} passes [mine]_335-mine to [me]_0-i . [His]_{321-a guy} eyes linger on [my]_0-i face as [he]_{321-a guy} takes a sip . “ What were [you]_{321-a guy} doing in [London]_8-london ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Ugh . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i roll [my]_0-i eyes . “ [I]_0-i flew over for [a friend]_{3096-a friend} ’s wedding , and to be honest , [I]_0-i wish [I]_0-i had n’t gone . ”_[0-i] “ Why not ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ [[My]_{321-a guy} ex]_{315-my ex} was there with [his]_{315-my ex} new squeeze , and [he]_{315-my ex} was being over - the - top affectionate with [her]_{315-my ex} to piss [me]_{321-a guy} off . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Which worked , obviously , ”_{[321-a guy]} [he]_{321-a guy} adds as [he]_{321-a guy} tilts [his]_{321-a guy} glass toward [me]_0-i . “ Hmm . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i sip [my]_0-i drink in disgust . “ Just a little . ”_[0-i] “ What did [she]_{315-my ex} look like ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Long bleached - blonde hair and huge silicone lips and boobs and eyelashes and fake tan and everything [I]_{321-a guy} ’m not . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Hmm . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} listens intently . “ Like [Backseat Barbie]_{100-backseat barbie} on crack . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} chuckles . “ [Everyone]_{3098-everyone} loves [a Backseat Barbie]_{3099-a backseat barbie} . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i look over at [him]_{321-a guy} in disgust . “ This is probably where [you]_{321-a guy} should tell [me]_{321-a guy} that [all men]_{3100-all men} hate [Backseat Barbies]_{101-backseat barbies} , [Jim]_90-jim . Do n’t [you]_{321-a guy} know anything about polite plane - conversation etiquette ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Obviously not . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} frowns as [he]_{321-a guy} considers [my]_0-i statement . “ Why would [I]_{321-a guy} do that ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i widen [my]_0-i eyes to accentuate [my]_0-i point . “ To be nice . ”_[0-i] “ Oh , right . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} frowns as if bracing [himself]_{321-a guy} to lie . “ [Emily]_91-emily . . . [all men]_{3100-all men} are repulsed by Backseat Barbies . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i smile as [I]_0-i tip [my]_0-i glass to [him]_{321-a guy} . “ Thank [you]_{321-a guy} , [Jim]_90-jim . ”_[0-i] “ Although . . . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} pauses for a moment . “ If [they]_3102-they give good head . . . ”_{[321-a guy]} What the hell ? [I]_0-i snort [my]_0-i champagne up [my]_0-i nose and choke . That ’s the last thing [I]_0-i ever expected to hear come out of [his]_{321-a guy} mouth . “ [Jim]_90-jim , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i splutter as it sprays everywhere . [He]_{321-a guy} laughs as [he]_{321-a guy} grabs [his]_{321-a guy} napkins and hands them over , and [I]_0-i wipe the drink dribbling from [my]_0-i chin . “ Men who look like [you]_{321-a guy} are not supposed to talk about head . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i cough . “ Why not ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [he]_{321-a guy} asks incredulously . “ And what do [you]_{321-a guy} mean , men who look like [me]_{321-a guy} ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ All serious and stuff . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} looks at [me]_0-i deadpan . “ Define stuff . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ [You]_0-i know , older , rich , and bossy . ”_{[321-a guy]} [His]_{321-a guy} eyes dance with delight . “ And what gives [you]_0-i the impression that [I]_{321-a guy} ’m rich and bossy ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i exhale in an overexaggerated way . “ [You]_{321-a guy} look rich . ”_[0-i] “ How do [I]_{321-a guy} ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ [Your]_{321-a guy} fancy watch . The cut of [your]_{321-a guy} shirt . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i glance down at [his]_{321-a guy} shoes . “ [I]_0-i ’ve never seen shoes like that before . Where did [you]_{321-a guy} even get those ? ”_[0-i] “ In [a shop]_{3103-a shop} , [Emily]_91-emily . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} looks at [his]_{321-a guy} watch . “ And [I]_{321-a guy} ’ll have [you]_0-i know that this watch was a gift from [a girlfriend]_{3104-a girlfriend} . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i roll [my]_0-i eyes . “ [I]_0-i bet [she]_{3104-a girlfriend} ’s [a vegan yoga nut]_{3105-a vegan yoga nut} . ”_[0-i] [He]_{321-a guy} smirks . “ [I]_{321-a guy} know [[your]_0-i type of woman]_{3106-your type of woman} . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Really . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} leans closer . “ Please go on — this character analysis is fascinating . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i smile as a little voice from [my]_0-i subconscious screams , Stop drinking , [fool]_336-fool ! “ [I]_{321-a guy} ’m assuming [you]_{321-a guy} live in [New York]_{3-new york} . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Correct . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ In [an apartment]_{3107-an apartment} . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ Affirmative . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ [You]_{321-a guy} probably work at [some ritzy company]_{3108-some ritzy company} . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} smiles ; [he]_{321-a guy} likes this game . “ Perhaps . ”_{[321-a guy]} “ [You]_{321-a guy} would have [a girlfriend]_{3104-a girlfriend} or . . . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i glance down . “ [You]_{321-a guy} do n’t wear a wedding ring . . . so perhaps [you]_{321-a guy} cheat on [[your]_{321-a guy} wife]_{3110-your wife} when [you]_{321-a guy} travel for work ? ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} chuckles . “ [You]_{321-a guy} really should make a profession out of this . [I]_{321-a guy} ’m amazed at the accuracy . ”_{[321-a guy]} [I]_0-i like this game too ; [I]_0-i smile broadly . “ What do [you]_{321-a guy} think about [me]_0-i ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ What was [your]_{321-a guy} first impression when [I]_0-i walked onto [the plane]_{291-the plane} ? ”_[0-i] “ Well . ”_{[321-a guy]} [He]_{321-a guy} frowns as [he]_{321-a guy} considers the question . “ Do [you]_0-i want the politically correct version ? ”_{[321-a guy]} “ No . [I]_0-i want the truth . ”_[0-i] “ Right . . . well , in that case , [I]_0-i noticed [your]_{321-a guy} long legs and the curve of [your]_{321-a guy} neck . The dimple in [your]_{321-a guy} chin . [You]_{321-a guy} are [the most attractive woman [I]_0-i ’ve seen]_{3112-the most attractive woman i ’ve seen} in a long time , and when [you]_{321-a guy} smiled , it brought [me]_0-i to [my]_0-i feet . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile softly as the air swirls between [us]_337-us . “ And then [you]_{321-a guy} spoke . . . and ruined everything . ”_[0-i] What ? [I]_0-i burst out laughing . “ [I]_0-i ruined everything ? How did [I]_0-i ruin everything ? ”_[0-i] “ [You]_{321-a guy} ’re bossy , with a sarcastic snark . ”_[0-i] “ What ’s the problem with that ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i stammer in outrage . “ Well , [I]_338-he ’m bossy and sarcastic . ”_[338-he] [He]_338-he shrugs . “ And ? ”_[338-he] “ And [I]_0-i do n’t want to date [myself]_0-i . [I]_0-i like [sweet , demure girls]_{3113-sweet , demure girls} , [the ones who do what [I]_0-i say]_{3114-the ones who do what i say} . ”_[0-i] “ Ugh . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i roll [my]_0-i eyes . “ [The ones who clean [the house]_{3072-the house} and have sex on Saturdays]_{3115-the ones who clean the house and have sex on saturdays} . ”_[0-i] “ Precisely . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i laugh and hold [my]_0-i glass up to clink with [his]_338-he . “ [You]_{321-a guy} ’re not bad for [a boring old guy with weird shoes]_{3117-a boring old guy with weird shoes} . ”_[338-he] [He]_338-he laughs . “ And [you]_{321-a guy} ’re not bad for [a young , hot smart - ass]_{3118-a young , hot smart - ass} . ”_[338-he] “ Do [you]_338-he want to watch [Magic Mike XXL]_96-michael with [me]_0-i ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ [I]_0-i suppose , although [I]_0-i should let [you]_338-he know . . . [I]_0-i am [an ex - stripper]_{3119-an ex - stripper} [myself]_0-i , so this is nothing new for [me]_0-i . ”_[0-i] “ Really ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i try to hide [my]_0-i smile . “ [You]_{327-this man} ’re good on a pole ? ”_[0-i] [His]_338-he eyes hold [mine]_0-i . “ [My]_338-he pole work is the best in [the country]_{3120-the country} . ”_[338-he] The air crackles between [us]_339-us , and [I]_0-i have to concentrate on stopping [my]_0-i inebriated mouth from saying something slutty . [He]_338-he pushes the screen and taps through to Magic Mike XXL . . . and [I]_0-i smile broadly . [This man]_{327-this man} is so unexpected . First class is definitely the way to fly . Six hours later “ Okay , next question . The weirdest place [you]_0-i ’ve ever had sex ? ”_[338-he] [he]_338-he whispers . [I]_0-i smirk . “ [You]_338-he ca n’t ask [me]_0-i that . ”_[0-i] “ Yes , [I]_338-he can . [I]_338-he just did . ”_[338-he] “ It ’s rude . ”_[0-i] “ Says who ? ”_[338-he] [He]_338-he looks around . “ It ’s just a question , and [nobody]_3121-nobody is listening . ”_[338-he] [Jim]_90-jim and [I]_0-i have talked and whispered and laughed [our]_339-us way through the entire flight . “ Hmm . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i think out loud . “ That ’s a tough one . ”_[0-i] “ Why ? ”_[338-he] “ [I]_0-i ’m on a bit of a drought at the moment . [I]_0-i can hardly remember any sex . ”_[0-i] “ How long ? ”_[338-he] [He]_338-he frowns . “ Oh . ”_[338-he] [I]_0-i look to the ceiling as [I]_0-i think . “ [I]_0-i have n’t had sex in like . . . eighteen months . ”_[0-i] [His]_338-he face falls in horror . “ What ? ”_[0-i] “ It ’s lame , is n’t it ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i wince . “ Very . [You]_0-i need to up [your]_0-i game . They ’re very bad statistics , indeed . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_0-i know . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i giggle . [Boy]_102-boy . . . [we]_339-us ’re so tipsy . “ Why am [I]_0-i telling [you]_338-he all this stuff ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . “ [You]_338-he ’re just [some random guy [I]_0-i met on [a plane]_{3123-a plane}]_{3122-some random guy i met on a plane} . ”_[0-i] “ [Who happens to be very interested in the subject]_{3124-who happens to be very interested in the subject} . ”_{[341-the flight attendants]} “ Why is that ? ”_[338-he] [He]_338-he leans in and whispers to [me]_0-i so that [the flight attendants]_{341-the flight attendants} ca n’t hear [us]_339-us . “ [I]_338-he do n’t understand how someone as hot as [you]_0-i does n’t get fucked three times a day . ”_[338-he] [I]_0-i stare at [him]_338-he as [I]_0-i feel a tingle all the way to [my]_0-i toes . Stop it . [This guy]_{289-this guy} is too old for [me]_0-i and so not [[my]_0-i type]_{343-my type} . [His]_338-he eyes drop to [my]_0-i lips , and the air between [us]_339-us zaps with electricity . “ How long are [you]_0-i in [New York]_{3-new york} ? ”_[338-he] [he]_338-he asks . [I]_0-i watch [his]_338-he tongue dart out and lick [his]_338-he bottom lip in slow motion . [I]_0-i can almost feel it between [my]_0-i . . . “ Just the afternoon . [I]_0-i have [my]_0-i interview at six tonight , and then [I]_0-i catch the last flight out , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . “ Can [you]_338-he change [your]_338-he flight ? ”_[0-i] Why ? “ No . ”_[338-he] [He]_338-he smirks as [he]_338-he watches [me]_0-i , and it ’s obvious [he]_338-he ’s imagining something . “ What ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile . “ [I]_0-i wish [we]_3125-we were on [a private jet]_{3126-a private jet} . ”_[0-i] “ Why is that ? ”_[338-he] [His]_338-he eyes drop to [my]_0-i lips once more . “ Because [I]_338-he ’d break that drought of [yours]_0-i and initiate [you]_0-i into the [Miles - High Club]_{9-miles - high club} . ”_[338-he] [I]_0-i get a visual of climbing on top of [him]_338-he , right here , right now . “ It ’s [Mile - High Club]_{10-mile - high club} . . . not [Miles]_{103-miles media} , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . “ No . . . it ’s [Miles]_{103-miles media} . ”_[0-i] [He]_338-he smirks as [his]_338-he eyes darken . “ Trust [me]_338-he — it ’s [Miles]_{103-miles media} . ”_[338-he] Something inside [me]_0-i snaps , and suddenly [I]_0-i want to say something crazy and out of the ordinary . [I]_0-i lean forward and whisper in [his]_338-he ear , “ [You]_338-he know , [I]_0-i ’ve never fucked [a stranger]_{3127-a stranger} before . ”_[0-i] [He]_338-he inhales sharply as [his]_338-he eyes hold [mine]_0-i . “ Do [you]_0-i want to fuck [a stranger]_{3127-a stranger} ? ”_[338-he] [he]_338-he murmurs as arousal thrums between [us]_344-us . [I]_0-i stare at [him]_338-he . This is so out of character for [me]_0-i . [This man]_{327-this man} makes [me]_0-i . . . “ Do n’t be shy , ”_[338-he] [he]_338-he whispers . “ Tell [me]_338-he , if [we]_344-us were alone right now . . . ”_[338-he] [He]_338-he pauses as [he]_338-he chooses [his]_338-he words . “ What would [you]_0-i give [me]_338-he , [Emily]_91-emily ? ”_[338-he] [My]_0-i eyes search [his]_338-he , and maybe it ’s the alcohol or the lack of sex or the fact that [I]_0-i know [I]_0-i ’ll never see [him]_338-he again . . . or perhaps [I]_0-i ’m just [a total ho]_{346-a total ho} . “ [Me]_0-i , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i breathe . “ [I]_0-i would give [you]_338-he [me]_0-i . ”_[0-i] [Our]_347-we eyes lock , and as if forgetting where [we]_347-we are , [he]_338-he leans forward and cups [my]_0-i face in [his]_338-he hand . [His]_338-he eyes are so blue , and a wave of arousal sweeps through [me]_0-i at [his]_338-he touch . [I]_0-i want [this man]_{327-this man} . [I]_0-i want all of [this man]_{327-this man} . . . every last drop . “ Hot towel ? ”_[89-jessica] [Jessica]_89-jessica [the flight attendant]_{297-the flight attendant} asks . [We]_347-we jump back from [each other]_{351-each other} , embarrassed . What must [they]_352-they think of [us]_347-we ? [They]_352-they ’ve been watching [us]_347-we flirt shamelessly for the entire trip . “ Thank [you]_{297-the flight attendant} , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i stammer as [I]_0-i take the towel from [her]_{297-the flight attendant} . “ There ’s a snowstorm in [New York]_{3-new york} , and [we]_347-we ’re going to circle for a while to see if [we]_347-we can land , ”_{[297-the flight attendant]} [she]_{297-the flight attendant} says . “ What happens if [we]_347-we ca n’t ? ”_[90-jim] [Jim]_90-jim asks . “ [We]_347-we will fly on to [Boston]_11-boston and have an emergency layover for the night . [You]_{297-the flight attendant} will be accommodated in [a hotel]_{3129-a hotel} , of course . [We]_347-we ’ll know in the next ten minutes . [I]_90-jim ’ll keep [you]_{297-the flight attendant} updated . ”_[90-jim] “ Thank [you]_90-jim . ”_{[297-the flight attendant]} [She]_{297-the flight attendant} walks off to the other side of [the plane]_{291-the plane} and out of earshot , and [Jim]_90-jim leans over and whispers , “ [I]_90-jim hope [New York]_{3-new york} freezes the fuck over . ”_[90-jim] Nerves dance in [my]_0-i stomach . “ Why is that ? ”_[90-jim] “ [I]_90-jim have plans for [us]_3130-us , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim whispers darkly . [I]_0-i stare at [him]_90-jim as [my]_0-i brain misfires . [I]_0-i ’ve been prick teasing like [a pro]_{354-a pro} , but [I]_0-i ’m really [not that kind of girl]_{355-not that kind of girl} . It ’s easy to be brave and slutty when there ’s no chance of anything happening . [I]_0-i begin to perspire . Why did [I]_0-i get so damn tipsy ? Why did [I]_0-i tell [him]_90-jim about [my]_0-i drought ? That ’s supposed to be kept private , [fool]_336-fool . “ Another drink ? ”_[90-jim] [Jim]_90-jim whispers . “ [I]_90-jim can’t — [I]_90-jim have a job interview this afternoon . ”_[90-jim] “ That wo n’t be happening . ”_[90-jim] “ Do n’t say that , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i stammer . “ [I]_0-i want this job . ”_[0-i] “ Good evening , [passengers]_{3131-passengers} ; this is [the captain speaking]_{3132-the captain speaking} . ”_[90-jim] A voice comes over the loudspeaker , and [I]_0-i close [my]_0-i eyes . Shit . “ Due to a snowstorm in [New York]_{3-new york} , [we]_3133-we will be flying on to [Boston]_11-boston tonight and staying [there]_3073-there . [We]_3133-we will return to [New York]_{3-new york} early in the morning . Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused , but safety is [our]_3133-we priority . ”_[0-i] [My]_0-i eyes meet [Jim]_90-jim ’s , and [he]_90-jim gives [me]_0-i a slow and sexy smile and raises [his]_90-jim eyebrow . Oh no .

Chapter 2 “ Do n’t look so excited . ”_[90-jim] [He]_90-jim smirks . “ [Jim]_90-jim . . . , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i stammer . Oh hell , how do [I]_0-i say this ? “ [I]_0-i ’m not really the kind of girl who . . . ”_[0-i] [My]_0-i voice trails off . “ Who fucks on first dates ? ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim says , finishing [my]_0-i sentence . “ Yes . ”_[90-jim] [I]_0-i wince at the crudeness of that statement . “ [I]_0-i just do n’t want [you]_90-jim to think . . . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_90-jim know . [I]_90-jim would n’t , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim replies curtly . “ [I]_90-jim do n’t . ”_[90-jim] “ Good . ”_[0-i] Relief fills [me]_0-i . “ [I]_90-jim was being flirty when [I]_90-jim thought [we]_3135-we were getting off and never seeing [each other]_{351-each other} again . ”_[90-jim] “ Right . ”_[90-jim] [He]_90-jim smirks in amusement . “ Not that [I]_0-i do n’t think [you]_90-jim ’re great , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i add . “ Because if [I]_0-i were [that kind of girl]_{3137-that kind of girl} , [I]_0-i would totally be into [you]_90-jim . [We]_3135-we would be fucking like . . . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i pause as [I]_0-i try to think of an analogy . “ [Rabbits]_104-rabbits ? ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim offers . “ Yes . ”_[90-jim] [He]_90-jim holds both hands in the air . “ [I]_90-jim understand ; platonic humans only . ”_[90-jim] [I]_0-i smile broadly . “ [I]_0-i ’m so glad [you]_90-jim understand . ”_[0-i] Seven hours later [He]_90-jim slams [me]_0-i up against the wall as [he]_90-jim struggles to pull [my]_0-i skirt up over [my]_0-i hips , and [his]_90-jim open mouth ravages [my]_0-i neck . “ Door , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i pant . “ Open the damn door . ”_[0-i] Oh God . . . [I]_0-i ’ve never felt this chemistry with [anyone]_295-anyone before . [We]_358-we ’ve laughed and danced and kissed [our]_358-we way around [Boston]_11-boston , and somehow [he]_90-jim makes [me]_0-i feel at ease . It ’s as if [I]_0-i do this type of thing every day , and it ’s completely natural . The weird thing is , it feels right . The spontaneity of the situation [I]_0-i find [myself]_0-i in has [me]_0-i feeling all brave . [This man]_{327-this man} is witty and funny and dirty as all hell , and in [my]_0-i opinion — which , in truth , could be totally screwed over with alcohol consumption at the moment — [he]_{327-this man} ’s worth the risk . . . because [I]_0-i know [I]_0-i will never get the opportunity to be with [a man like [him]_{327-this man}]_{360-a man like him} again . [I]_0-i ’ve died and gone to layover bad - girl heaven . [Jim]_90-jim fumbles with the key , and [we]_358-we stumble into [[my]_0-i room]_{361-my room} . Then [he]_90-jim throws [me]_0-i onto the bed . [My]_0-i chest rises and falls as [we]_358-we stare at [each other]_{351-each other} , and the air between crackles with electricity . “ [I]_0-i ’m not [this kind of girl]_{3138-this kind of girl} , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i remind [him]_90-jim . “ [I]_90-jim know , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim breathes . “ [I]_90-jim would n’t want to corrupt [you]_0-i . ”_[90-jim] “ But there is a drought , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . “ So . . . so dry . ”_[0-i] [He]_90-jim raises [his]_90-jim eyebrows as [he]_90-jim pants along with [me]_0-i . “ This is true . ”_[90-jim] [I]_0-i stare at [him]_90-jim for a moment as [I]_0-i try to clear [my]_0-i arousal fog . [My]_0-i sex is throbbing and pleading for [his]_90-jim body . “ It would be a shame to . . . ”_[0-i] [My]_0-i voice trails off . “ [I]_0-i know . ”_[0-i] [He]_90-jim licks [his]_90-jim lips in appreciation as [his]_90-jim eyes roam over [my]_0-i body . “ Such a fucking shame . ”_[90-jim] [He]_90-jim takes [his]_90-jim shirt off over [his]_90-jim shoulders , and [my]_0-i breath catches . [He]_90-jim has a broad , muscular chest with olive skin and a scattering of hair that runs from [his]_90-jim navel and disappears down into [his]_90-jim pants . [His]_90-jim hair is dark , and [his]_90-jim eyes are a brilliant blue — but it ’s the power behind them that has [me]_0-i aching for [him]_90-jim to take [me]_0-i . There ’s an edge to [his]_90-jim touch that [I]_0-i ’ve never felt before . [He]_90-jim ’s all male and pure domination . There ’s no mistaking who ’s in charge here . Something about [this man]_{327-this man} has opened up another side of [me]_0-i that [I]_0-i did n’t know existed . [I]_0-i know [he]_90-jim could have [any woman in [the world]_{268-the world} [he]_90-jim wants]_{364-any woman in the world he wants} . And at this moment , [he]_90-jim wants [me]_0-i . There ’s no denying the chemistry between [us]_366-us ; it ’s raw , honest , and all - consuming . [He]_90-jim ’s hardly touched [me]_0-i , and [I]_0-i already know that this night is special . Maybe fate has dealt [me]_0-i an ace for a change . With [his]_90-jim eyes locked on [mine]_0-i and in slow motion , [he]_90-jim unzips [his]_90-jim pants and pulls [his]_90-jim dick out . It ’s big and hard , and [my]_0-i chest rises and falls as [I]_0-i watch [him]_90-jim . [My]_0-i heart is in overdrive . Is this really happening ? Oh . [My]_0-i . God . [He]_90-jim begins to slowly stroke [himself]_90-jim , and [my]_0-i mouth falls open as [I]_0-i stare , transfixed . [I]_0-i ’ve never had [a man]_{3093-a man} touch [himself]_90-jim in front of [me]_0-i before . Holy fucking shit . This is off the hook . [He]_90-jim lifts one of [his]_90-jim feet to the bed and really begins to let [himself]_90-jim have it . The muscles in [his]_90-jim shoulders and arms flex as [he]_90-jim jerks [himself]_90-jim hard , and [my]_0-i insides ripple in pleasure as [I]_0-i imagine it ’s [me]_0-i doing it for [him]_90-jim . This is like reality porn . . . only ten times better . What the hell am [I]_0-i doing [here]_275-here ? [I]_0-i ’m [a good girl]_{369-a good girl} , and [good girls]_{370-good girls} do n’t do bad things with [men like this]_{371-men like this} . [We]_372-we do n’t know [the same people]_{373-the same people} , [we]_372-we do n’t live in [the same city]_{374-the same city} , and [I]_0-i may never see [him]_90-jim again , and there ’s an unexpected freedom in that . [I]_0-i can be different . Whoever [he]_90-jim wants [me]_0-i to be . [His]_90-jim eyes are locked on [mine]_0-i , and [his]_90-jim jaw clenches . “ Get over here and suck [my]_90-jim cock , [Emily]_91-emily , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim murmurs darkly . God , yes . [I]_0-i thought [he]_90-jim ’d never ask . [I]_0-i scurry to [my]_0-i knees , desperate to please [him]_90-jim . [I]_0-i do n’t know anything about [this guy]_{289-this guy} , but [I]_0-i do know that at this moment , [I]_0-i want to be the best sex [he]_90-jim ’s ever had . [I]_0-i take [him]_90-jim in [my]_0-i mouth as [I]_0-i pretend to be [the deep - throat champion of [the world]_{268-the world}]_{376-the deep - throat champion of the world} . [I]_0-i fist [him]_90-jim hard as [my]_0-i hand follows [my]_0-i lips . It ’s been so long , and [I]_0-i feel [my]_0-i sex clench , [my]_0-i orgasm close just from the taste of [his]_90-jim preejaculate . “ Fuck . . . so good , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i murmur around [him]_90-jim . “ The taste of [you]_90-jim is going to make [me]_0-i come . ”_[0-i] [He]_90-jim tips [his]_90-jim head back to the sky and closes [his]_90-jim eyes . “ Naked . [I]_90-jim need [you]_0-i fucking naked , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim growls with urgency . [He]_90-jim drags [me]_0-i off the bed and in one moment has [my]_0-i skirt and panties on the floor . [He]_90-jim pulls [my]_0-i shirt off over [my]_0-i head and throws [my]_0-i bra to the side . Then [he]_90-jim stops still . . . and in slow motion , with [his]_90-jim hands clenched by [his]_90-jim sides , [his]_90-jim eyes drop down [my]_0-i body . [He]_90-jim drinks [me]_0-i in , and [I]_0-i feel the heat as [his]_90-jim gaze skims [my]_0-i skin . [My]_0-i world stops spinning , and [I]_0-i stand before [him]_90-jim naked and vulnerable , waiting for [his]_90-jim approval . This is new for [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i ’ve never been with [a man who ’s so dominant and commanding]_{378-a man who ’s so dominant and commanding} . [His]_90-jim eyes , [his]_90-jim voice , [his]_90-jim every touch reminds [me]_0-i of who [I]_0-i am with and how much [his]_90-jim pleasure means to [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i feel like [I]_0-i want to rise to the challenge , and the primal urge to satisfy [him]_90-jim is taking [me]_0-i over . When [his]_90-jim eyes meet [mine]_0-i again , they ’re blazing with desire . An undercurrent of darkness and tenderness runs between [us]_379-us . Perhaps [I]_0-i ’ve forgotten how [a man]_{3093-a man} looks at [a woman]_{381-a woman} when every ounce of [his]_{3093-a man} being wants [her]_{381-a woman} . Because [I]_0-i swear to [God]_88-god , [I]_0-i ’ve never seen this look before in [my]_0-i life . “ On [your]_0-i back , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim murmurs . [My]_0-i face falls in fear . [He]_90-jim takes [me]_0-i in [his]_90-jim arms and kisses [me]_0-i deeply as [he]_90-jim holds [my]_0-i face in [his]_90-jim hands . “ What is it ? ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim breathes . “ It ’s . . . it ’s been a long time , ”_[90-jim] [I]_0-i pant . “ [I]_90-jim ’ll take care of [you]_0-i , [baby]_3139-baby , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim whispers softly , which eases [my]_0-i fears . [His]_90-jim mouth takes [mine]_0-i , [his]_90-jim tongue slowly sliding through [my]_0-i open lips with just the right amount of suction . [My]_0-i knees nearly buckle underneath [me]_0-i . [He]_90-jim lays [me]_0-i down and spreads [my]_0-i legs and smiles darkly as [he]_90-jim kisses [his]_90-jim way down [my]_0-i body . [I]_0-i stare at the ceiling as [I]_0-i try to control [my]_0-i erratic breathing ; no amount of alcohol could have prepared [me]_0-i for this . [He]_90-jim lifts [my]_0-i legs and puts [my]_0-i feet onto [his]_90-jim strong shoulders and then drops [my]_0-i knees wide . [I]_0-i am completely open for [him]_90-jim , and [he]_90-jim takes [me]_0-i with no reservations and sucks hard . [I]_0-i buck off the bed . “ Ah ! ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i cry . But [he]_90-jim gives [me]_0-i no mercy as [he]_90-jim drives three of [his]_90-jim thick fingers into [my]_0-i sex and begins to pump [me]_0-i hard . Shit . . . ca n’t [we]_382-we ease into it , at least ? [His]_90-jim tongue is on [my]_0-i clitoris , and [his]_90-jim fingers are on [my]_0-i G - spot . What the actual hell is going on here ? [My]_0-i body begins to quiver like a puppet . . . [[his]_90-jim puppet]_{383-his puppet} . [The man]_{265-the man} ’s [a god]_{385-a god} . [My]_0-i legs lift off [his]_90-jim shoulders by themselves , and [I]_0-i convulse as a freight train of an orgasm rips through [me]_0-i . That took approximately five seconds . Oh hell . How embarrassing . Way to act cool . [He]_90-jim chuckles as if [he]_90-jim ’s proud , and [I]_0-i throw the back of [my]_0-i forearm over [my]_0-i eyes to hide [my]_0-i face in shame . [He]_90-jim pulls [my]_0-i arm away and takes [my]_0-i jaw in [his]_90-jim hand and drags [my]_0-i face back to [his]_90-jim . “ Do n’t hide from [me]_90-jim , [Emily]_91-emily . Not ever , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim commands . [My]_0-i eyes search [his]_90-jim . This is too full on . . . too much . [This guy]_{289-this guy} is too intense . “ Answer [me]_{289-this guy} . ”_{[289-this guy]} “ What do [you]_90-jim want [me]_0-i to say ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . “ Say yes so that [I]_0-i know [you]_90-jim understand . ”_[0-i] The air crackles between [us]_387-us . “ Yes , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i breathe . “ [I]_0-i understand . ”_[0-i] “ [Good girl]_{3140-good girl} , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim whispers as [he]_90-jim leans in and kisses [me]_0-i again . [His]_90-jim tongue is soft stroking perfection , and [my]_0-i legs open by themselves once more . [He]_90-jim gets up and takes four condoms from [his]_90-jim wallet , opens one , and hands it to [me]_0-i . “ Put it on [me]_0-i . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i take it from [him]_90-jim and bend to kiss [him]_90-jim softly on [his]_90-jim dick before [I]_0-i roll the condom on . “ [You]_90-jim ’re very bossy . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smirk . [He]_90-jim smiles broadly as [he]_90-jim falls onto [his]_90-jim back , pulls [me]_0-i over [him]_90-jim , and drags [my]_0-i face to [his]_90-jim . “ [You]_0-i ’ll fuck [me]_90-jim first , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim murmurs against [my]_0-i lips , “ and then [I]_90-jim ’ll fuck [you]_0-i when [you]_0-i ’re warmed up . ”_[90-jim] [I]_0-i smile against [his]_90-jim mouth . “ [I]_90-jim only fuck once , [big boy]_{3141-big boy} , and then [I]_90-jim fall asleep . ”_[90-jim] [He]_90-jim gives [me]_0-i a slow , sexy smile . [I]_0-i straddle [his]_90-jim large body as [our]_388-our kisses become desperate . [His]_90-jim thick cock is up against [his]_90-jim stomach , and [he]_90-jim holds it in the air and guides [my]_0-i hips down over [him]_90-jim . Oh , the burn — [he]_90-jim ’s big . “ Ow , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whimper . “ It ’s okay , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim whispers . “ Wiggle from side to side . ”_[90-jim] [He]_90-jim cups [my]_0-i breasts in [his]_90-jim hands as [he]_90-jim stares up at [me]_0-i in what seems like awe . [I]_0-i smile down at [him]_90-jim . “ What ? ”_[0-i] “ From the moment [I]_0-i saw [you]_90-jim on [the plane]_{291-the plane} today , [I]_0-i wanted [you]_90-jim riding [my]_0-i cock . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i giggle down at [him]_90-jim . “ Do [you]_90-jim always get what [you]_90-jim want ? ”_[0-i] “ Always . ”_[90-jim] [He]_90-jim grabs [my]_0-i hips and slams [me]_0-i down , and [our]_389-our mouths fall open in pleasure . Oh . . . [he]_90-jim ’s . . . “ So fucking tight , ”_[90-jim] [he]_90-jim grinds out . With [our]_389-our eyes locked , [he]_90-jim slowly moves [me]_0-i up and down , and [I]_0-i can feel every vein on [his]_90-jim thick shaft . [His]_90-jim eyes are hooded as [he]_90-jim looks up at [me]_0-i , and [I]_0-i lean forward and kiss [him]_90-jim softly . “ Do [you]_90-jim know how perfect [you]_90-jim feel inside [me]_0-i ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper , and then [I]_0-i lick [his]_90-jim open mouth . [His]_90-jim eyes roll back in [his]_90-jim head . “ [You]_0-i are one hot fuck . ”_[90-jim] [He]_90-jim picks [me]_0-i up by the hip bones and slams [me]_0-i back down on [his]_90-jim cock , and [I]_0-i laugh out loud at the overwhelming sensation of being filled to the hilt . “ God , fill [me]_0-i up , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i moan . “ Give it to [me]_0-i , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i beg . [I]_0-i love how [he]_90-jim ’s losing control . It ’s making [me]_0-i crazy . And then as if in some kind of alternate universe , [my]_0-i mouth latches on to [his]_90-jim neck , and [I]_0-i suck hard as [I]_0-i ride [him]_90-jim . [He]_90-jim hisses , and as if [he]_90-jim ’s completely losing control , [he]_90-jim bucks [me]_0-i off and pulls out and throws [me]_0-i onto [my]_0-i back . [He]_90-jim lifts [my]_0-i legs over [his]_90-jim shoulders and slams in deep — so deep that the air is knocked from [my]_0-i lungs . [I]_0-i smile . So [he]_90-jim likes dirty talk , does [he]_90-jim ? Well , that just happens to be [my]_0-i specialty . Game on . [I]_0-i hold [his]_90-jim face in [my]_0-i hands . “ God , [you]_90-jim ’ve got a beautiful cock , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . “ Is it weeping for [me]_0-i , [baby]_3139-baby ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper as [I]_0-i clench around [him]_90-jim . “ [I]_0-i can feel [your]_90-jim pulse in it . ”_[0-i] [He]_90-jim gives [me]_0-i a slow , sexy smile as [he]_90-jim pumps [me]_0-i . “ [I]_90-jim ’m going to rip this condom off and blow in [your]_90-jim dirty mouth in a minute . ”_[90-jim] “ Please . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i laugh as [he]_90-jim pumps [me]_0-i hard , and in a moment of perfect clarity , [he]_90-jim turns [his]_90-jim head and tenderly kisses [my]_0-i inner ankle . [We]_390-we stare at [each other]_{351-each other} as something intimate runs between [us]_390-we . A closeness that the reality of the situation should n’t allow . “ Do n’t look at [me]_0-i like that , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper to break the seriousness of the moment , “ or [I]_0-i ’m going to give [you]_90-jim another hickey . ”_[0-i] [His]_90-jim eyes widen . “ [I]_90-jim better not have a fucking hickey , [Emily]_91-emily . ”_[90-jim] [I]_0-i laugh out loud as [I]_0-i look at the huge purple welt rising on [his]_90-jim neck . God , what the hell ? [I]_0-i ’ve been reading way too many vampire romances . “ Will [you]_90-jim be in trouble with [[your]_90-jim mother]_{3144-your mother} ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i tease . [He]_90-jim laughs and slams into [me]_0-i and hits just the right spot , and [I]_0-i moan . Oh . . . [this man]_{327-this man} knows [his]_{327-this man} way around [a woman]_{381-a woman} ’s body . Every touch is perfectly placed and magnified . [He]_{327-this man} knows exactly how to take [me]_0-i apart at the seams . [He]_{327-this man} lifts [my]_0-i hip with [his]_{327-this man} hand and circles deep , and [my]_0-i body takes on its own agenda because [I]_0-i need to come . Hard . “ Fuck [me]_0-i , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i beg . “ Give [me]_0-i that beautiful cock of [yours]_0-i . Harder , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i moan . “ Fuck , [I]_0-i need it harder . ”_[0-i] [His]_{327-this man} eyes close in pleasure , and [he]_{327-this man} pumps [me]_0-i at piston pace . [I]_0-i grab on to [him]_{327-this man} as tightly as [I]_0-i can as [I]_0-i convulse . [He]_{327-this man} holds [himself]_{327-this man} deep and cries out into [my]_0-i neck , and [I]_0-i feel [his]_{327-this man} cock jerk as it releases . [We]_394-we pant as [we]_394-we cling to each other , wet with perspiration , [our]_394-we hearts racing wildly together , and [he]_{327-this man} smiles up against [my]_0-i cheek as if remembering something . “ What ? ”_{[327-this man]} “ Welcome to [the Miles - High Club]_{3145-the miles - high club} , [Emily]_91-emily . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i giggle as [I]_0-i kiss [him]_{327-this man} . “ First class is the only way to fly . ”_[0-i] [Jim]_90-jim smiles sexily down at [me]_0-i as [I]_0-i lie naked in bed . [He]_{327-this man} ’s dressed , and [his]_{327-this man} bag is packed and by the door . “ [I]_{327-this man} have to go . ”_{[327-this man]} [I]_0-i screw up [my]_0-i face and hold out [my]_0-i arms . “ No , do n’t leave [me]_0-i , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i tease in a whiny voice . [He]_{327-this man} chuckles as [he]_{327-this man} bends and takes [me]_0-i into [his]_{327-this man} arms one last time . [We]_395-we ’re not on [the same plane]_{396-the same plane} back to [New York]_{3-new york} this morning ; [his]_{327-this man} flight leaves early , and [mine]_0-i leaves late . [He]_{327-this man} kisses [me]_0-i softly . “ What a night , ”_{[327-this man]} [he]_{327-this man} whispers . [I]_0-i smile as [his]_{327-this man} head drops to the crook of [my]_0-i neck , [his]_{327-this man} teeth nipping down toward [my]_0-i collarbone . “ [I]_0-i wo n’t be walking for a month — actually , a year , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter dryly . [He]_{327-this man} bends and bites [my]_0-i nipple hard , and [I]_0-i jump . Then [he]_{327-this man} comes back up , and [his]_{327-this man} eyes meet [mine]_0-i . [I]_0-i cup [his]_{327-this man} handsome face . “ [I]_{327-this man} had an incredible night . ”_{[327-this man]} [He]_{327-this man} smiles softly . “ [Me]_{327-this man} too . ”_{[327-this man]} [I]_0-i reach up and put [my]_0-i finger on the huge hickey on [his]_{327-this man} neck , and [his]_{327-this man} fingers go to it too . “ What the fuck were [you]_{327-this man} thinking ? ”_{[327-this man]} “ [I]_0-i have no idea what came over [me]_0-i . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i giggle . “ [Your]_{327-this man} dick was too good , turned [me]_0-i into an animal . ”_[0-i] [He]_{327-this man} bites [me]_0-i again . “ How am [I]_{327-this man} supposed to get on [a plane]_{3123-a plane} with a huge - ass hickey on [my]_{327-this man} neck ? ”_{[327-this man]} [he]_{327-this man} scolds . “ If [you]_0-i knew how many important meetings [I]_{327-this man} have this week , [Emily]_91-emily . . . ”_{[327-this man]} [We]_397-we both laugh , and then [his]_{327-this man} face falls as [he]_{327-this man} watches [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i ’m not joking — [I]_0-i do n’t want [him]_{327-this man} to leave [me]_0-i . [This man]_{327-this man} is everything [I]_0-i ’m not looking for , but [he]_{327-this man} ’s somehow ticking every box . What if [I]_0-i never see [him]_{327-this man} again ? How am [I]_0-i supposed to move on from a night like this , erase it from [my]_0-i memory bank , and pretend it never happened ? [I]_0-i close [my]_0-i eyes in disgust with [myself]_0-i . This is why [I]_0-i do n’t do one - night stands . [I]_0-i ’m not cut out for sex without strings — it ’s not who [I]_0-i am . [I]_0-i will never be [that person]_{399-that person} . [I]_0-i hate that [he]_{327-this man} is . “ Actually , [I]_0-i have a scarf in [my]_0-i bag . Do [you]_{327-this man} want it ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ Yes , ”_{[327-this man]} [he]_{327-this man} snaps . [I]_0-i climb out of bed and go to [my]_0-i suitcase and begin to rummage through it . [He]_{327-this man} takes the opportunity and stands behind [me]_0-i and grabs [my]_0-i naked hip bones in [his]_{327-this man} hands and pumps [me]_0-i with [his]_{327-this man} hips . [I]_0-i stand and turn to face [him]_{327-this man} . “ [I]_{327-this man} ’m not even joking now — stay another night . ”_{[327-this man]} [He]_{327-this man} traces [his]_{327-this man} finger down [my]_0-i face and cups [my]_0-i jaw in [his]_{327-this man} hand as [our]_400-our eyes lock . “ [I]_{327-this man} ca n’t , ”_{[327-this man]} [he]_{327-this man} whispers , [his]_{327-this man} eyes searching [mine]_0-i . . . with something unspoken . Does [he]_{327-this man} have [someone]_401-someone at [home]_3076-home ? Is that why [he]_{327-this man} has n’t asked for [my]_0-i number ? Uneasiness fills [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i ’m not made for this one - night stand crap . [I]_0-i turn [my]_0-i back on [him]_{327-this man} and dig out the scarf and hand it over . It ’s cream and cashmere , and it ’s initialed . E.F. [[[My]_0-i mother]_{403-my mother} ’s tennis group]_{404-my mother ’s tennis group} gave it to [me]_0-i as a gift when [I]_0-i finished college . [I]_0-i did love it . . . but oh well . [He]_{327-this man} frowns as [he]_{327-this man} looks down at the embroidered letters , and [I]_0-i take it from [him]_{327-this man} and wrap it around [his]_{327-this man} neck to cover the huge purple bruise . [I]_0-i smirk as [I]_0-i look at it . [I]_0-i did n’t even know how to give a hickey . [I]_0-i must have really been in the moment . “ What does the F stand for ? ”_{[327-this man]} [he]_{327-this man} asks . “ [Fuck bunny]_{3147-fuck bunny} . ”_{[327-this man]} [I]_0-i smile to cover [my]_0-i disappointment . [I]_0-i do n’t want [him]_{327-this man} to know that [his]_{327-this man} last comment upset [me]_0-i . [He]_{327-this man} chuckles and grabs [me]_0-i roughly into [his]_{327-this man} arms and walks [me]_0-i back toward the bed . “ What an apt description that is . ”_{[327-this man]} [He]_{327-this man} takes [my]_0-i leg and wraps it around [his]_{327-this man} waist , and [we]_405-we share one last lingering kiss . “ Goodbye , [[my]_{327-this man} beautiful fuck bunny]_{3148-my beautiful fuck bunny} , ”_{[327-this man]} [he]_{327-this man} whispers . [I]_0-i run [my]_0-i fingers through [his]_{327-this man} hair as [I]_0-i stare at [his]_{327-this man} gorgeous face . “ Goodbye , Blue Eyes . ”_[0-i] [He]_{327-this man} picks the scarf up and inhales deeply . “ This smells like [you]_0-i . ”_{[327-this man]} “ Put it on every time [you]_{327-this man} jerk off . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile sweetly . “ Imagine it ’s [me]_0-i doing all the work . ”_[0-i] [His]_{327-this man} eyes flicker with excitement . “ [You]_0-i know , for [someone who has n’t had sex for eighteen months]_{3149-someone who has n’t had sex for eighteen months} , [you]_0-i ’re [a fucking sex maniac]_{3150-a fucking sex maniac} . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i giggle . “ [I]_0-i ’ll go back to [[my]_0-i drought]_{3151-my drought} now . It ’s safe there . . . and [I]_0-i can walk unassisted . ”_[0-i] [His]_{327-this man} face falls , and [I]_0-i feel like [he]_{327-this man} wants to say something but is stopping [himself]_{327-this man} . “ [You]_0-i ’re going to miss [your]_0-i plane . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i fake a smile . [We]_406-we kiss once more , and [I]_0-i hold [him]_{327-this man} tight , and [God]_88-god , [he]_{327-this man} really is incredible . [He]_{327-this man} stands , and with one last lingering look at [me]_0-i lying naked in the bed , [he]_{327-this man} turns and walks out . [I]_0-i smile sadly at the door [he]_{327-this man} just left through . “ Yes , sure , [you]_{327-this man} can have [my]_0-i number , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper into the silence . But [he]_{327-this man} did n’t want it . [He]_{327-this man} ’s gone . Twelve months later [I]_0-i exhale and put [my]_0-i hand over [my]_0-i heart as [I]_0-i stand on the curbside and look up at [the glass skyscraper in front of [me]_0-i]_{407-the glass skyscraper in front of me} . [My]_0-i phone rings , and the name [Mom]_105-mom lights up the screen . “ Hello , [Mom]_105-mom . ”_[105-mom] [I]_0-i smile . [I]_0-i get a vision of [[my]_0-i beautiful mother]_{408-my beautiful mother} . [She]_{408-my beautiful mother} has a perfect blonde bob and flawless skin , and [she]_{408-my beautiful mother} ’s always immaculately dressed . If [I]_0-i can look half as good as [her]_{408-my beautiful mother} at [her]_{408-my beautiful mother} age , [I]_0-i will be winning at life . [I]_0-i miss [her]_{408-my beautiful mother} already . “ Oh , [darling]_3152-darling , [I]_{408-my beautiful mother} just called to wish [you]_3152-darling good luck . ”_{[408-my beautiful mother]} “ Thank [you]_105-mom . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i tap [my]_0-i toe , unable to stand still . “ [I]_0-i ’m so nervous [I]_0-i was throwing up this morning . ”_[0-i] “ [They]_3153-they ’re going to love [you]_0-i , [dear]_3154-dear . ”_{[408-my beautiful mother]} “ Oh God . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i exhale heavily . “ [I]_0-i hope so . It took [me]_0-i six damn interviews to get this job , and [I]_0-i had to move across [the country]_{3120-the country} for it . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i screw up [my]_0-i face in fear . “ Have [I]_0-i done the right thing , [Mom]_105-mom ? ”_[0-i] “ Yes , love , this job is [your]_3152-darling dream , and besides , [you]_3152-darling needed to get away from [Robbie]_106-robbie . The distance from [him]_106-robbie will do [you]_3152-darling good . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i roll [my]_0-i eyes . “ [Mom]_3156-mom , do n’t bring [Robbie]_106-robbie into it . ”_[0-i] “ [Darling]_107-darling , [you]_3152-darling ’re dating [a man who is unemployed and lives in [[his]_106-robbie parents]_{3158-his parents} ’ garage]_{3157-a man who is unemployed and lives in his parents ’ garage} . [I]_0-i do n’t understand what [you]_3152-darling see in [him]_106-robbie . ”_[0-i] “ [He]_106-robbie ’s just between jobs at the moment . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i sigh . “ Then if [he]_106-robbie ’s got nothing going on here , why would n’t [he]_106-robbie move to [New York]_{3-new york} with [you]_3152-darling ? ”_[0-i] “ [He]_106-robbie does n’t like [New York]_{3-new york} . It ’s too busy for [him]_106-robbie . ”_[0-i] “ Oh , [Emily]_91-emily , can [you]_3152-darling hear the excuses [you]_3152-darling make for [this man]_{327-this man} ? If [he]_106-robbie loved [you]_3152-darling , [he]_106-robbie would be there supporting [your]_3152-darling dream , since [he]_106-robbie does n’t have any of [his]_106-robbie own . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i exhale heavily . [I]_0-i ’ve been thinking these things [myself]_0-i , but no way in hell would [I]_0-i admit it to [anyone]_295-anyone . “ Are [you]_3152-darling calling [me]_0-i to stress [me]_0-i out about [Robbie]_106-robbie , or are [you]_3152-darling calling [me]_0-i to wish [me]_0-i luck ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i snap . “ [I]_0-i ’m calling [you]_3152-darling to wish [you]_3152-darling luck . Good luck , [darling]_3152-darling . Go and show [them]_3152-darling what [you]_3152-darling ’re made of . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i jiggle on the spot nervously as [I]_0-i look at [the towering building above [me]_0-i]_{410-the towering building above me} . “ Thanks . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_0-i ’ll call [you]_3152-darling tonight for a full debrief . ”_[0-i] “ Okay . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile . “ [I]_0-i ’m going to go in . ”_[0-i] “ Go get ’em , [tiger]_3161-tiger . ”_[411-she] [She]_411-she hangs up . [I]_0-i stare up at [the building]_{412-the building} and at the fancy gold letters over the large double front doors . [MILES MEDIA]_{12-miles media} [I]_0-i exhale and drop [my]_0-i shoulders . “ Right . [You]_3152-darling can do this . ”_[0-i] This is the opportunity of all opportunities . [Miles Media]_{12-miles media} is [the biggest conglomerate media empire in [the United States]_{414-the united states}]_{413-the biggest conglomerate media empire in the united states} and [one of the largest in [the world]_{268-the world}]_{415-one of the largest in the world} , with [over two thousand staff based in [New York]_{3-new york} alone]_{417-over two thousand staff based in new york alone} . [My]_0-i fascination with journalism started in the eighth grade when [I]_0-i witnessed a car accident on [my]_0-i way [home]_3076-home from [school]_419-school one day . Because [I]_0-i was [the only witness]_{420-the only witness} , [I]_0-i had to give a statement to [the police]_{421-the police} , and then when it turned out that [the car]_{422-the car} was stolen , the local paper came and interviewed [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i felt like [a rock star]_{292-a rock star} that day , and the shine never dulled . [I]_0-i ’ve been to college to study journalism and done internships with [the best companies in [the United States]_{13-the united states}]_{424-the best companies in the united states} . But it was [Miles Media]_{12-miles media} that [I]_0-i had [my]_0-i heart set on . [Their]_{12-miles media} stories are a cut above the rest ; [no other media company]_{425-no other media company} would do . [I]_0-i ’ve applied for every position that has come up for three years and only recently got a callback . And even then , [I]_0-i went to six interviews before [I]_0-i was offered the job , and [God]_88-god , just do n’t let [me]_0-i screw this up . [I]_0-i take out [my]_0-i security card and put the lanyard around [my]_0-i neck , and [I]_0-i glance down at [my]_0-i phone . No missed calls . [Robbie]_106-robbie did n’t even call [me]_0-i to wish [me]_0-i luck . Ugh , [men]_426-men . [I]_0-i make [my]_0-i way to reception . [The security guard at the front desk]_{427-the security guard at the front desk} accepts [my]_0-i identification , and [I]_0-i am given a code to work [the elevator]_{428-the elevator} . [My]_0-i heart is beating so fast as [I]_0-i get into [the elevator]_{428-the elevator} with [all the beautiful posh - looking people]_{430-all the beautiful posh - looking people} , and [I]_0-i push the button for [the fortieth floor]_{431-the fortieth floor} . [I]_0-i glance over at [myself]_0-i in the mirrored doors . [I]_0-i ’m wearing a black pencil skirt that hangs to midcalf , sheer black stockings with patent leather high heels , and a cream long - sleeved silk blouse . [I]_0-i wanted to look professional and elegant . [I]_0-i ’m not sure if [I]_0-i pulled it off , but here ’s hoping . [I]_0-i pull [my]_0-i hand through [my]_0-i thick dark ponytail as [the elevator]_{428-the elevator} flies higher and higher . [I]_0-i take a side glance at the others in [the elevator]_{428-the elevator} . [The men]_{434-the men} are all in expensive suits , and [the women]_{435-the women} are ultraprofessional and wearing full faces of makeup . Damn it , [I]_0-i should have worn bright lipstick . [I]_0-i ’ll buy one on [my]_0-i lunch break . The doors open on [the fortieth floor]_{431-the fortieth floor} , and [I]_0-i stride out as if [I]_0-i do n’t have a fear in [the world]_{268-the world} . Faking confidence is [my]_0-i superpower , and today [I]_0-i ’m totally faking it till [I]_0-i make it . Or at least die trying . “ Hello . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile at [the kind - looking woman standing by reception]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} . “ [I]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} ’m [Emily Foster]_91-emily . [I]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} ’m starting today . ”_{[438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception]} [She]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} smiles broadly . “ Hello , [Emily]_91-emily , [my]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} name is [Frances]_108-frances , and [I]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} am one of [the floor managers]_{3162-the floor managers} . ”_{[438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception]} [She]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} steps over to [me]_0-i and shakes [my]_0-i hand . “ Lovely to meet [you]_0-i . ”_{[438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception]} Well , [she]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} seems nice . “ Come through , and [I]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} ’ll show [you]_0-i to [your]_0-i desk . ”_{[438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception]} [She]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} walks off , and [I]_0-i peer into [the huge office space]_{439-the huge office space} . The tables are grouped into lots of four or six with partitions separating [them]_440-them from the others . “ As [you]_0-i know , [each floor of [this building]_{3164-this building}]_{3163-each floor of this building} is [a different arm of [the company]_{3166-the company}]_{3165-a different arm of the company} , ”_{[438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception]} [she]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} says as [she]_{438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception} walks . “ [We]_3167-we have internationals and magazines from floor twenty down . [Floors thirty to forty]_{3168-floors thirty to forty} are news and current affairs , and above forty are television and cable . ”_{[438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception]} [I]_0-i nod nervously . “ [The two top levels of [the building]_{412-the building}]_{3169-the two top levels of the building} are [senior management]_{3171-senior management} only , and [your]_0-i security card wo n’t get [you]_0-i up [there]_3073-there . It ’s customary for [new employees]_{3173-new employees} to be taken on a guided tour of [the building]_{412-the building} , and [Lindsey]_109-lindsey from [human resources]_{3175-human resources} will come and get [you]_0-i at two o’clock this afternoon . ”_{[438-the kind - looking woman standing by reception]} “ Okay , great . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile as [I]_0-i feel [my]_0-i confidence seep out into the carpet . God , this is all so professional . “ [Most people]_{3176-most people} start on level four and work [their]_{3176-most people} way up [the building]_{412-the building} , so congratulations for starting on level forty . That in itself is amazing . ”_[441-she] [She]_441-she smiles broadly . “ Thank [you]_441-she , ”_[441-she] [I]_0-i reply nervously . [She]_441-she leads [me]_0-i over to a group of four desks by the window and pulls out a chair . “ This is [your]_0-i desk . ”_[441-she] “ Oh . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i feel the blood drain from [my]_0-i face . [I]_0-i ’ve totally bitten off more than [I]_0-i can chew here . [I]_0-i fall into [my]_0-i seat as panic begins to rise in [my]_0-i stomach . “ Hello , ”_{[3093-a man]} [a man]_{3093-a man} says as [he]_{3093-a man} sits in the seat beside [me]_0-i . “ [I]_{3093-a man} ’m [Aaron]_110-aaron . ”_{[3093-a man]} [He]_{3093-a man} reaches over and shakes [my]_0-i hand with a broad smile . “ [You]_0-i must be [Emily]_91-emily . ”_{[3093-a man]} “ Hi , [Aaron]_110-aaron , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper , feeling totally inadequate . “ [I]_108-frances ’ll leave [you]_110-aaron in [Aaron]_110-aaron ’s safe hands . ”_{[108-frances]} [Frances]_108-frances smiles . “ Thank [you]_110-aaron . ”_{[108-frances]} “ Have a great day . ”_{[108-frances]} [She]_108-frances returns to [reception]_{443-reception} . And [I]_0-i stare at the computer on [my]_0-i desk as [my]_0-i heart begins to beat violently . “ Are [you]_0-i excited ? ”_[110-aaron] [Aaron]_110-aaron asks . “ Oh [my]_0-i God , [I]_0-i ’m petrified , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper as [I]_0-i turn to [him]_110-aaron . “ [I]_0-i ’ve never done this job before . [I]_0-i usually find the stories with [[my]_0-i group]_{3178-my group} . ”_[0-i] [He]_110-aaron smiles warmly . “ Do n’t worry ; [we]_3179-we all felt the same when [we]_3179-we started , but [they]_{3178-my group} would n’t have given [you]_0-i the job if [they]_{3178-my group} did n’t think [you]_0-i could do it . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i give [him]_110-aaron a lopsided smile . “ [I]_0-i just do n’t want to let [anyone]_295-anyone down . ”_[0-i] [He]_110-aaron reaches over and puts [his]_110-aaron hand on top of [mine]_0-i . “ [You]_0-i wo n’t . [This team]_{3181-this team} is great , and [we]_3179-we help [each other]_{351-each other} . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i glance down at [his]_110-aaron hand on [mine]_0-i . “ Oh . ”_[110-aaron] [He]_110-aaron pulls it away as [he]_110-aaron notices [my]_0-i discomfort . “ [I]_110-aaron ’m totally gay and way too touchy , apparently . Tell [me]_110-aaron if [I]_110-aaron get in [your]_0-i space . [I]_110-aaron have no sphere of reference . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i smile , grateful for [his]_110-aaron honesty . “ Okay . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i look around [the office]_{444-the office} as [people]_267-people file in . “ How long have [you]_110-aaron worked [here]_275-here ? ”_[0-i] “ Four years . [I]_110-aaron love it . ”_[110-aaron] [He]_110-aaron shivers [his]_110-aaron shoulders to accentuate [his]_110-aaron point . “ Best job [I]_110-aaron ’ve ever had . [I]_110-aaron moved from [San Fran]_{14-san fran} for it . ”_[110-aaron] “ [I]_0-i moved from [California]_{15-california} . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile proudly . “ [You]_110-aaron here by [yourself]_110-aaron ? ”_[110-aaron] [he]_110-aaron asks . “ Yeah . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i shrug . “ [I]_0-i got [a little one - bedroom apartment]_{3184-a little one - bedroom apartment} . [I]_0-i arrived on Friday . ”_[0-i] “ What did [you]_110-aaron do all weekend ? ”_[110-aaron] [he]_110-aaron asks . “ Freaked out about today . ”_[110-aaron] [He]_110-aaron laughs . “ Do n’t worry . [We]_3185-we ’ve all been [there]_3073-there . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i look around at the two other empty chairs . “ Who else do [we]_3185-we work with ? ”_[0-i] “ [Molly]_111-molly . ”_[110-aaron] [He]_110-aaron points to the chair behind [me]_0-i . “ [She]_111-molly does n’t start until nine thirty . [She]_111-molly ’s [a single mom]_{3187-a single mom} and has to get [[her]_111-molly kids]_{3188-her kids} off to [school]_419-school first . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i smile ; [I]_0-i like that . “ And [Ava]_112-ava — [she]_111-molly ’s just late because [she]_111-molly probably went out last night partying . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile . [He]_110-aaron rolls [his]_110-aaron eyes . “ [She]_111-molly ’s [a deplorable party girl]_{3190-a deplorable party girl} , and [she]_111-molly ’s never at [her]_111-molly desk — always finds somewhere [she]_111-molly has to be . ”_[110-aaron] “ Hello , ”_{[446-a girl]} [a girl]_{446-a girl} says as [she]_{446-a girl} runs up the aisle and sits down in [her]_{446-a girl} chair . [She]_{446-a girl} ’s panting and holds out [her]_{446-a girl} hand . “ [I]_{446-a girl} ’m [Ava]_112-ava . ”_{[446-a girl]} [I]_0-i shake [her]_{446-a girl} hand and smile . “ [I]_0-i ’m [Emily]_91-emily . ”_[0-i] [Ava]_112-ava is younger than [me]_0-i and very attractive , with a honey - colored bob and dramatic makeup . [She]_112-ava ’s trendy and very [New York]_{3-new york} . “ Open up [your]_0-i computer , [Emily]_91-emily , and [I]_110-aaron ’ll show [you]_0-i through [our]_3191-our programs , ”_[110-aaron] [Aaron]_110-aaron says . “ Okay , ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i reply as [I]_0-i concentrate on [my]_0-i task . “ Oh [my]_112-ava God , [Aaron]_110-aaron , ”_[112-ava] [Ava]_112-ava says . “ [I]_112-ava met [the hottest fucking guy last night]_{3192-the hottest fucking guy last night} . ”_[112-ava] “ Here [we]_3191-our go . ”_[110-aaron] [Aaron]_110-aaron sighs . “ [You]_0-i meet [the hottest fucking guy]_{3193-the hottest fucking guy} every night . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i find [myself]_0-i smiling as [I]_0-i listen to [them]_447-them . “ No , seriously , this time [I]_447-them mean it . ”_[447-them] [I]_0-i glance over at [Aaron]_110-aaron , and [he]_110-aaron smirks at [me]_0-i and rolls [his]_110-aaron eyes as if [he]_110-aaron ’s heard it all before . [She]_112-ava gets to work , and [Aaron]_110-aaron goes through and explains the programs as [I]_0-i take notes . “ At ten o’clock the stories will start coming in . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i listen intently . “ [We]_3194-we , as [reporters]_{3195-reporters} , go through [them]_447-them and all say yay or nay as to whether it ’s got legs and if [we]_3194-we go and report on it . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i frown . “ But how will [I]_0-i know that ? ”_[0-i] “ [We]_3194-we just vote yes for stuff that interests [us]_3194-we , [I]_112-ava suppose , ”_[112-ava] [Ava]_112-ava says . “ Obviously , news stories that are breaking are crucial , but it ’s the other content that [they]_447-them pay [us]_3194-we for . ”_[112-ava] [She]_112-ava reads an email . “ For example , [three coffee shops]_{3196-three coffee shops} have closed down in one week within two blocks from each other . ”_[112-ava] [She]_112-ava rolls [her]_112-ava eyes . “ Honestly , who gives a fuck ? This is n’t news . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i giggle . “ Here ’s one . ”_[110-aaron] [Aaron]_110-aaron reads out , “ [A driver]_{3197-a driver} has been clocked traveling at one hundred fifty - five miles per hour , and [he]_{3197-a driver} ran a police stop sign . [He]_{3197-a driver} was involved in a hot pursuit and ended up crashing into [parked cars in [Brooklyn]_16-brooklyn]_{3198-parked cars in brooklyn} . ”_[110-aaron] [Ava]_112-ava nods . “ Yeah , that ’s good . ”_[112-ava] “ [We]_3194-we ’ll go with that . ”_[110-aaron] [He]_110-aaron types something and puts the file into a saved folder . “ So how does this work ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ [We]_3194-we collect stories , and then [we]_3194-we discuss collectively what each of [us]_3194-we has done and put together a list of stories . [You]_0-i research [your]_0-i stories and have them in by four each day for the next day ’s news . Then [we]_3194-we send them on to [Hayden]_113-hayden , and [he]_113-hayden sends [them]_3199-them to editing . Obviously , if a good story comes in , it will take priority over everything else , and it will go to live news immediately . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i frown as [I]_0-i listen . “ So [we]_3194-we each get [our]_3194-we own stories and leads sent to [us]_3194-we ? ”_[0-i] “ Yes , by email . By others on this level . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i glance around at [all the workers surrounding [us]_449-us]_{448-all the workers surrounding us} . “ [We]_3194-we keep [our]_3194-we finger on the pulse of what sells and what news really is , ”_[112-ava] [Ava]_112-ava replies . “ It ’s the coolest job ever . ”_[112-ava] [I]_0-i smile . Maybe [I]_0-i really can do this . “ Open [your]_0-i emails . ”_[110-aaron] [Aaron]_110-aaron reaches over and opens something for [me]_0-i on [my]_0-i computer , and then [I]_0-i watch as it keeps pinging . “ Those are all possible stories ? ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i frown . “ Yes . ”_[110-aaron] [He]_110-aaron throws [me]_0-i a playful wink . “ Get reading , [baby]_3139-baby . [They]_3201-they come in thick and fast . ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i smile as excitement runs through [me]_0-i . “ Just make sure [you]_0-i get story details right . Nothing pisses [management]_{3202-management} off more than incorrect names . [You]_0-i will get into huge trouble . ”_[110-aaron] “ Got it . ”_{[450-the kind voice]} [I]_0-i ’ve just gotten back from lunch when [my]_0-i phone rings . “ Hi , [Emily]_91-emily , this is [Lindsey]_109-lindsey from [human resources]_{3175-human resources} . [I]_{450-the kind voice} ’ll be up in about five minutes to get [you]_0-i , ”_{[450-the kind voice]} [the kind voice]_{450-the kind voice} says on the phone . [I]_0-i wince . Oh , that ’s right — [I]_0-i have that damn building tour . “ Okay , thank [you]_{450-the kind voice} . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i hang up . “ Oh no , [I]_0-i have to go on the office tour , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper to [[my]_0-i colleagues]_{451-my colleagues} . “ That ’s okay , ”_[110-aaron] [Aaron]_110-aaron replies as [he]_110-aaron continues reading [his]_110-aaron emails . “ [I]_110-aaron ’ve got so many leads , ”_[110-aaron] [I]_0-i stammer . “ [I]_0-i ca n’t keep up . ”_[0-i] “ Do n’t worry . It ’s fine , ”_[110-aaron] [he]_110-aaron comforts [me]_0-i . “ What if [I]_110-aaron miss a really important story ? ”_[110-aaron] “ [You]_110-aaron won’t — it ’s fine . [I]_0-i ’ll go through [yours]_110-aaron while [you]_110-aaron ’re gone . ”_[0-i] “ Really ? ”_[0-i] “ Of course it is . [You]_110-aaron are n’t expected to know everything on day one . ”_[110-aaron] “ Oh no , [you]_0-i have to go to the top . ”_[112-ava] [Ava]_112-ava grimaces . “ What ’s the top ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ [Upper - management offices]_{3204-upper - management offices} . ”_[0-i] “ [They]_{3204-upper - management offices} ’re not nice ? ”_[110-aaron] “ No , [they]_{3204-upper - management offices} ’re fucking horrible , and [you]_0-i have a good chance of being fired on the spot . ”_[112-ava] “ What ? ”_[0-i] “ Oh , bullshit . ”_[110-aaron] [Aaron]_110-aaron rolls [his]_110-aaron eyes . “ [They]_{3204-upper - management offices} just do n’t . . . ”_[110-aaron] [He]_110-aaron screws up [his]_110-aaron face as [he]_110-aaron chooses [his]_110-aaron words . “ [They]_{3204-upper - management offices} do n’t fluff . If something is going to be said , [they]_{3204-upper - management offices} just say it how it is . [They]_{3204-upper - management offices} do n’t take any shit from [anyone]_295-anyone . ”_[110-aaron] “ Who are [they]_{3204-upper - management offices} ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . “ Well , [Mr. Miles]_{114-mr. miles} wo n’t be there . [He]_{114-mr. miles} never is . [I]_0-i think [he]_{114-mr. miles} ’s in [London]_8-london . ”_[0-i] “ [Mr. Miles]_{114-mr. miles} ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask as [I]_0-i feel [my]_0-i nerves dance . “ [The CEO]_{3206-the ceo} . ”_[0-i] “ Yes , [I]_0-i know who [he]_{114-mr. miles} is . [I]_0-i think [everyone]_{3098-everyone} does . Although [I]_0-i ’ve never seen a picture of [him]_{114-mr. miles} . It ’s [him]_{114-mr. miles} and [[his]_{114-mr. miles} brothers]_{3208-his brothers} , right ? ”_[0-i] “ Yes , it ’s [the [Miles]_{114-mr. miles} family who owns everything . [He]_{114-mr. miles} and [[his]_{114-mr. miles} three brothers]_{3210-his three brothers}]_{3209-the miles family who owns everything . he and his three brothers} . ”_[112-ava] “ And [they]_{3209-the miles family who owns everything . he and his three brothers} ’re all [upstairs]_{3211-upstairs} ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper as [I]_0-i quickly take out the bright lipstick [I]_0-i bought at lunch and reapply . [I]_0-i need some courage here . “ Just do n’t say anything stupid up in the management levels , ”_[112-ava] [Ava]_112-ava says . [My]_0-i eyes widen . “ Like what ? What do [they]_{3209-the miles family who owns everything . he and his three brothers} consider stupid ? ”_[112-ava] [I]_0-i ’m really beginning to panic . “ Just keep [your]_0-i mouth shut , take the tour , and do n’t tell [HR]_115-hr anything . ”_[112-ava] “ Why not ? ”_[112-ava] “ Because [they]_{3209-the miles family who owns everything . he and his three brothers} ’re on speed dial to the management levels . This whole tour [you]_0-i ’re taking now is just so [they]_{3209-the miles family who owns everything . he and his three brothers} can do a personality assessment on [you]_0-i in the two hours it takes [them]_{3209-the miles family who owns everything . he and his three brothers} to show [you]_0-i around . ”_[112-ava] “ Oh [my]_0-i God . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i sigh . “ Hi , [Emily]_91-emily , is it ? [I]_0-i ’m [Lindsey]_109-lindsey . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i turn to see [a beautiful blonde]_{452-a beautiful blonde} , and [I]_0-i stand immediately and put out [my]_0-i hand . “ Hello . ”_{[452-a beautiful blonde]} [She]_{452-a beautiful blonde} smiles at [[my]_0-i coworkers]_{453-my coworkers} . “ Let ’s get started . [We]_457-we will go down to level one and work [our]_457-we way up . ”_{[452-a beautiful blonde]} [I]_0-i give [[my]_0-i new work friends]_{454-my new work friends} a nervous wave and follow [her]_{452-a beautiful blonde} out of [the office]_{444-the office} and into [the elevator]_{428-the elevator} . Here [we]_457-we go . An hour and a half later “ And this is [the gymnasium]_{3212-the gymnasium} , for [[our]_457-we staff]_{3213-our staff} ’s own personal use . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i look around at [the expansive and swanky - looking gym on [level sixty]_{17-level sixty}]_{458-the expansive and swanky - looking gym on level sixty} . “ Wow . ”_[0-i] “ [It]_{458-the expansive and swanky - looking gym on level sixty} ’s open from six in the morning until six thirty at night . [It]_{458-the expansive and swanky - looking gym on level sixty} ’s busiest before work , obviously , but [you]_3214-you can come [here]_275-here on [your]_3214-you lunch break also . [A lot of [people]_267-people]_{3216-a lot of people} take a late or early lunch so that it ’s not as busy when [they]_{3216-a lot of people} come . ”_[0-i] [This place]_{459-this place} is ridiculous . [A cafeteria on level two that is the entire floor]_{460-a cafeteria on level two that is the entire floor} , [a movie theater]_{461-a movie theater} , [a gymnasium]_{462-a gymnasium} , [a mailroom floor]_{463-a mailroom floor} , [a computer geek floor]_{464-a computer geek floor} . Everything has been thought out with such care . “ Okay , let ’s get going . ”_{[109-lindsey]} [Lindsey]_109-lindsey smiles . “ [We]_465-we will head up to [the management floors]_{3218-the management floors} now . ”_{[109-lindsey]} [My]_0-i stomach dances with nerves as [we]_465-we head back into [the elevator]_{428-the elevator} . [She]_109-lindsey gets in and looks at the buttons . “ Oh look , [you]_109-lindsey ’re in luck . ”_{[109-lindsey]} [I]_0-i frown in question . “ [Mr. Miles]_{114-mr. miles} is here . ”_{[109-lindsey]} [I]_0-i fake a smile . “ [I]_0-i ’ll take [you]_109-lindsey to meet [him]_{114-mr. miles} first . ”_[0-i] Oh God . Do n’t speak . Do n’t say anything stupid , [I]_0-i remind [myself]_0-i . [I]_0-i twist [my]_0-i fingers in front of [me]_0-i nervously as [we]_465-we ride to [the top floor]_{467-the top floor} . The doors open , and [I]_0-i step out of [the elevator]_{428-the elevator} and stop still . What the hell ? White marble for as far as [I]_0-i can see , floor - to - ceiling glass , and luxurious white leather furnishings . “ Hello , [Sammia]_116-sammia . ”_{[109-lindsey]} [Lindsey]_109-lindsey smiles as [I]_0-i look around in awe . [This place]_{459-this place} is insane . [A beautiful woman]_{470-a beautiful woman} looks up from [her]_{470-a beautiful woman} computer at reception , and [she]_{470-a beautiful woman} smiles warmly . “ Hello , [Lindsey]_109-lindsey . ”_{[470-a beautiful woman]} “ This is [Emily]_91-emily . [She]_91-emily ’s new and started on level forty today . ”_[116-sammia] [Sammia]_116-sammia comes around and shakes [my]_0-i hand . “ Lovely to meet [you]_0-i , [Emily]_91-emily . ”_[116-sammia] “ Is [Mr. Miles]_{114-mr. miles} taking [visitors]_{3219-visitors} ? ”_{[109-lindsey]} [Lindsey]_109-lindsey asks . “ [He]_{114-mr. miles} is . ”_[116-sammia] [She]_116-sammia smiles . “ [I]_116-sammia ’ll just announce [you]_0-i . ”_[116-sammia] Announce [me]_0-i . . . jeez . [Lindsey]_109-lindsey hunches [her]_109-lindsey shoulders as if [she]_109-lindsey ’s nervous too . [Sammia]_116-sammia picks up the phone . “ [Mr. Miles]_{114-mr. miles} , [we]_3220-we have [a new staff member]_{3221-a new staff member} to meet [you]_0-i in [reception]_{443-reception} . ”_[116-sammia] [She]_116-sammia listens for a moment and smiles . “ Yes , [sir]_3064-sir . ”_[116-sammia] [She]_116-sammia puts the phone down . “ Just go in . ”_[116-sammia] “ This way , [Emily]_91-emily . ”_{[109-lindsey]} [Lindsey]_109-lindsey directs [me]_0-i across [a huge boardroom]_{471-a huge boardroom} , and [my]_0-i heels click on the marble . Why do n’t [Lindsey]_109-lindsey ’s shoes click ? Okay , buy rubber - soled shoes tomorrow . [We]_472-we get to the end of [the huge room]_{473-the huge room} and down [another corridor]_{474-another corridor} , and [my]_0-i heels are clicking like [I]_0-i do n’t know what . They ’re even annoying [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i sound like a horse . [I]_0-i feel like taking them off and throwing them in the trash . Just be quiet . [I]_0-i ’m trying to appear professional here . [We]_472-we get to a set of black double doors , and [Lindsey]_109-lindsey knocks as [my]_0-i heart pounds in [my]_0-i chest . Just . . . do n’t say anything stupid . “ Come in , ”_{[109-lindsey]} a deep voice calls . [Lindsey]_109-lindsey opens the doors , and [I]_0-i step into [the office]_{444-the office} . Familiar blue eyes rise to meet [mine]_0-i from behind the large mahogany desk , and [I]_0-i stop dead still . What ? “ [Emily Foster]_91-emily , [I]_109-lindsey would like to introduce [you]_91-emily to [Mr. Miles]_{114-mr. miles} , ”_{[109-lindsey]} [Lindsey]_109-lindsey says . [I]_0-i stare at [him]_476-he , unable to speak because there ’s no air in [my]_0-i lungs . [His]_476-he eyebrow rises , and [he]_476-he sits back in [his]_476-he chair as [he]_476-he smirks . “ Hello , [Emily]_91-emily . ”_[476-he] [His]_476-he big eyes hold [mine]_0-i , the same beautiful deep - blue eyes that hypnotized [me]_0-i twelve months ago . It ’s [him]_476-he .